It’s been over five decades since living legend Dolly Parton was nominated for her first Grammy; now the most honored female artist is competing for her 50th honor.
Despite averaging an award nomination every year for the last 50 years this Tennessee-born star is still excited when she gets a nomination.
“It’s always special. You always love to be acknowledged,” Parton said of achieving her 50th nod, though she quickly added: “Like I’ve always said, ‘I don’t work for awards and rewards.'”
Her first Grammy nomination was at the 1970 show for “Just Someone I Used to Know,” a duet with Porter Wagoner.
Nine years later she won her first gramophone for “Here You Come Again,” her 19th solo album and first to go platinum.
This year she’s nominated for best contemporary Christian music performance/song for “There Was Jesus,” a collaboration with Christian rock singer Zach Williams.
The national treasure is the second-most nominated woman in Grammy history, only behind Beyoncé, who has 79 nominations and 24 wins. The country icon earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award a decade ago.
Born in a one-room cabin, the fourth child of 12 rose to become the hugely successful singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian she is today.
She has composed over 3,000 songs, including “I Will Always Love You” a two-time U.S. country chart-topper which was recorded by Whitney Houston for her 1992 movie The Bodyguard and went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time.
When she’s not writing and performing award-winning music Parton is heading many charitable efforts through her Dollywood Foundation and has won awards for her work in literacy.
Parton said this year’s nomination for “There Was Jesus” is extra-special because it sits close to her heart.
“That particular song … was more rewarding to me than winning an award,” she said. “I felt very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful song.
“But of course, since I grew up in the church and I’m a person of faith, a song like that would mean more to me than a lot of the others, I have to admit.”
The 75-year-old recently received her coronavirus vaccine months after she donated $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center for coronavirus research. She then encouraged others to get the vaccine with a song.
To the tune of one of her many classic songs “Jolene” Parton sang: “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine / I’m begging of you please don’t hesitate.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine / because once you’re dead, then that’s a bit too late.”
The 2021 Grammys will air on March 14.
Dolly Parton deserves all the awards as far as I’m concerned; despite her unbelievable success she still remains one of the most humble and down-to-earth stars with an honesty that is so refreshing and a heart of gold.
Please share if you too love this country music icon.
