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On This Day: Dolly Parton Releases ‘Dolly, Dolly, Dolly’ Album in 1980

Legendary country music singer and songwriter Dolly Parton put out one of her top albums 41 years ago to the date (April 14).

At the top of the country music food chain is where you will find the iconic musician and singer. Dolly Parton has managed to stay at the top through several decades and even now, at 75-years-old, she remains one of the most popular musical acts in any genre. The Country Music Hall of Famer never ceases to amaze and has kept relevancy in the music industry for over a half-century.

In 1980, Parton put out her 22nd studio album Dolly, Dolly, Dolly to much fanfare and acclaim. The album was a huge success but it also marks an evolution in her singing career. With Dolly, Dolly, Dolly, Parton shifts from her pure country-style to add in a little bit of pop flavor. None of the songs on the album were written by Dolly Parton, a rarity for the prideful songwriter. The cover of the album features Parton riding on a merry-go-round.

The album was a critical success for Parton, peaking at number 7 on the U.S. Country Music Charts and Number 71 on the U.S. Top 200 Charts. Music critics gave the album favorable reviews, including one critic claiming “there’s something for everyone here.” The effort contains a high-quality mixture of upbeat and up-tempo tunes as well as Parton’s signature ballad-style songs.

The album also gives Dolly Parton her ninth and tenth chart-topping singles. “Starting Over Again” and “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle You” both peaked at number one on country charts.

Dolly Parton Finds Success in Other Ventures

While Dolly Parton is certainly most noted for her work as a country music artist, she’s had several other successful ventures. The “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has also found success as a businesswoman, humanitarian, actress and author. She even has her own adventure park called “Dollywood,” which resides in her hometown in the East Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. During her decades-long career, she has composed more than 3,000 songs. There aren’t many country music awards she hasn’t won, however. She has also got nominations for Academy Awards, Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards.