Celebrating Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday–The Daily Earworm
Today, Dolly Parton turns 80 years old. The “Jolene” singer’s special day has not gone unnoticed, either. The Grand Ole Opry threw a party on Saturday to celebrate the legendary country singer, and the Tennessee governor has introduced special legislation in her honor. Parton, herself, shared something special leading up to the day, as well. Today’s Daily Earworm takes a look at all these stories, as we pay tribute to the iconic singer and philanthropist.
A New Twist on an Old Tune
In the lead-up to Parton’s birthday, the singer released a new version of an old song. Teaming up with some of her friends, on January 16, Parton released an updated version of her 1977 hit, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” The updated track features Parton singing with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, rapper Queen Latifah, fellow country legend Reba McEntire, and 2026 multi-Grammy nominated country star Lainey Wilson. Proceeds from the song and its music video will go to pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
“Opry Goes Dolly”
The Grand Ole Opry held a big celebration in Parton’s honor on January 17. Amongst those taking the stage at the Opry were Wilson, Vince Gill, Trannie Anderson, and bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent. Sadly, the guest of honor was not able take part in the night’s “Opry Goes Dolly” festivities. Parton was forced to miss the event due to ongoing health issues. While fans and friends were unable to see Dolly in person, they were able to sign an enormous birthday card for her.
Dolly Parton Day
On January 16, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a proclamation declaring today Dolly Parton Day. Parton was born and raised in Tennessee and still lives there. The singer is a fixture in the state and regularly gives back through her philanthropic endeavors.
A Look Back at Dolly Parton’s Singing Career
Parton is one of the most decorated artists in all of music. Through the years, she has received 384 major award nominations. She has won 190 awards, including 48 BMI awards, 16 Country Music Television awards, 13 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 Grammy awards, 10 Country Music Association awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. She is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and six Halls of Fame.
Parton’s recording career includes over 40 Top 10 country albums, the most of any country artist. She has 25 #1 country singles, and she has sold over 100 million records.
Parton’s Philanthropic Work
As great a singer as Parton is, she may be an even greater humanitarian and philanthropist. She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to provide scholarships to local high school students. It has since expanded its scope. The foundation established the Imagination Library in 1995, which distributes free books to children monthly, up until the age of five. The foundation also created the My People Fund in 2016 to help those who were affected by the wildfires in Tennessee that year. The non-profit has also contributed to a number of other causes, such as HIV/AIDS research and the American Red Cross.
Parton has personally donated millions of dollars to a number of causes as well. Whether it be cancer research or hurricane relief or something else, she has stayed involved over the years. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated one million dollars to help fund the early stages of development of the Moderna COVID vaccine.
A National Treasure
Parton has a number of humanitarian awards through the years for all her philanthropic endeavors. She has brought joy to the world with her music and her Dollywood theme park. She truly is a national treasure. Happy 80th Birthday!
