Roots & Rhinestones

September 22, 2017. 

I’d always wanted to see Reba at the Opry. When her appearance landed in my inbox, I jumped at getting tickets and roped my parents into going with me. 

Reba was celebrating the 40th anniversary of her Opry debut, which made the night even more special. 

Opry regulars Mike Snider, Connie Smith, and The Whites anchored the first half of the show. After intermission, Vince Gill took over hosting duties and reminded us that the Opry is often full of surprises.

“This next guest isn’t on your program,” he teased. When he introduced Carrie Underwood, I felt the building shake. 

But we hadn’t seen anything yet. 

During Reba’s set, Vince directed her attention to a giant video screen for a special message from a fellow Opry member. A glitch quickly quieted the crowd. Then a sweet, familiar voice said, “Hey, Reba.” 

When Dolly Parton stepped from the wings onto the stage, I thought the roof would come off. I leapt from my seat in a kind of out‑of‑body moment, as if watching myself from above. 

It was the second time Dolly had surprised Reba at the Opry. The first was 40 years earlier when a young Reba was told she would only get one song that night. Dolly wasn’t on the program, and her unexpected arrival cut into Reba’s already limited set. 

Reba was unbothered, offering both her songs for the chance to meet Dolly. She still tells the story in crystal-clear detail — from Dolly’s black chiffon suit to the way she floated down the halls of the Ryman. 

At their Opry reunion in 2017, Dolly promised not to take any of Reba’s songs and simply celebrated the milestone with her friend. Of all the things her legion of admirers will miss about Dolly, her generosity of spirit ranks at the top. 

She was a force of nature — a prolific songwriter, gifted vocalist, and incomparable entertainer who shared her rags-to-rhinestones story with the world. There’s nothing I can say about Dolly Parton that hasn’t already been said, so instead I’m sharing some of my favorite songs and the memories they conjure. I’m starting with the two I love most; the rest I couldn’t rank. 

“Coat of Many Colors” 

From her 1971 album of the same name. Written by Dolly Parton. Peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

Dolly said “Coat of Many Colors” was her favorite of her songs, and I don’t see any reason to argue. Through her vivid storytelling, she brought this melodic autobiography to life long before she expanded it into a TV movie. “Coat of Many Colors” is like a page lifted from her diary. When I hear it, I don’t just picture walking to school with little Dolly “way down in the fall.” I shiver until I feel the warmth of a coat blessed with Mama’s kiss. “Coat of Many Colors” showcases what Dolly does best: paint moving scenes with snapshots of everyday life. 

“But You Know I Love You” 

From her 1981 album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. Written by Mike Settle. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

My family and I were fortunate to see DOLLY: A True Original when she workshopped her musical at Belmont University last summer. In the week leading up to our show date, I sent a Dolly song a day on the family text chain. I was surprised when my mom called “But You Know I Love You” sad. I’ve never heard it that way — melancholy and full of longing, to be sure, but not sad. It’s a woman reckoning with the choices she’s made, wishing for the days when “answers could be found in children’s nursery rhymes,” yet knowing that “we can’t live on dreams alone.” Dolly sings it as if she wrote it from her own life — choosing a traveling career that kept her away for long stretches. It strikes me as a love song to her husband Carl. 

“The Last Thing on My Mind” with Porter Wagoner 

From their 1968 album Just Between You and Me. Written by Tom Paxton. Peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

My favorite part of DOLLY: A True Original is the Porter Wagoner portion. I knew the highlights, especially Dolly’s writing “I Will Always Love You” as a goodbye, but seeing their dynamic and the behind-the-scenes of The Porter Wagoner Show was spellbinding. Porter had that smooth, rich voice, but his easy showmanship made him impossible to ignore. I was lucky enough to see him at the Opry, relishing the attention from fans of all ages. He, like Dolly, was unashamed of his rhinestone suits, swagger, and honky‑tonk flash. “The Last Thing on My Mind” is my favorite from their extraordinary duets catalog. 

“My Tennessee Mountain Home” 

From her 1973 album of the same name. Written by Dolly Parton. Peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountains, you know there’s magic in the mist. While “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is Dolly’s memories of that sacred place, like all great songs, it’s relatable. I first heard it on a free compilation CD I got at a minor league baseball game. I felt like somebody understood what it was like to grow up in rural Tennessee. Even though I’m on the other side of the state, I could put myself in the lyrics. It made me proud — proud to live in the Volunteer State and proud of Dolly Parton. Tennessee has been home to legendary figures throughout history. We claim Davy Crockett, three U.S. presidents, and Elvis Presley. But Dolly is hands-down our greatest ambassador. She’s everything a Tennessean should be. 

“Jolene” 

From her 1974 album of the same name. Written by Dolly Parton. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

Consistently ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time, “Jolene” is as relevant today as when Dolly first released it. Its themes of jealousy and heartbreak never go out of style, and that opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable. One of the things I love most is how generous Dolly has been with the song. She’s recorded “Jolene” with country and pop artists, and she’s been supportive of those who’ve reimagined it — from Cam’s apologetic “Diane” to Beyoncé’s stray from the original, to Belles’s “Son of Jolene,” which even features Dolly on background vocals. Letting other artists step into the story shows her confidence as a songwriter. 

“Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” with Chet Atkins 

From his 1976 album The Best of Chet Atkins & Friends. Written by Dolly Parton. 

In her Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, Dolly tells a great Chet Atkins story. Early in her career, Chet pulled her aside and encouraged her to tone down her look. He wasn’t judging her; he worried people wouldn’t take her seriously as a singer-songwriter. Dolly, of course, waved off his concern, and several years later shared a laugh when he joked, “I’m sure glad you took my advice.” Their warm, respectful relationship shines through on “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” Dolly’s vocals are light and airy, while Chet’s guitar adds a bright melody that makes the song irresistible. 

“Two Doors Down” 

From her 1977 album Here You Come Again. Written by Dolly Parton. Peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Born country, Dolly could style a pop song as well as anyone. When fans worried she was leaving country music, Dolly assured them she was taking country with her. And she did, keeping the storytelling central to her songwriting no matter the genre. Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Taylor Swift can thank Dolly for clearing a path for women to move between country and pop, without having to choose one or the other. 

“9 to 5” 

From her 1981 album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. Written by Dolly Parton. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

Dolly used her acrylic nails to tap out the rhythm on set and penned the theme song to the movie of the same name. She earned a crossover No. 1 hit and Oscar nomination, but more importantly, she gained a seat at the table on issues that reached beyond music. One of the things I’ve always admired about Dolly is her ability to navigate troubled waters. She stood up for what she believed in without picking sides or dismissing people who saw things differently. 

“Hard Candy Christmas” 

From the 1982 soundtrack for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Written by Carol Hall. Peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

The not-a-Christmas song we only hear at Christmas. Listening to Dolly’s reflective performance of “Hard Candy Christmas,” you’d think she wrote the song herself. She used her songwriting sensibilities to choose great songs by other songwriters, and while this one was chosen for her as part of the film adaptation of the musical, she makes it entirely her own. Check out her Rockstar album for more examples, including Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”

“Islands in the Stream” with Kenny Rogers 

From Kenny’s 1983 album Eyes That See in the Dark. Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Growing up singing with family and neighbors on front porches made Dolly a perfect duet partner for generations of artists. But in Kenny Rogers, she found a kindred spirit. Their precious friendship transcended their music, yet it was also the special sauce in every recording. You can’t listen to “Islands in the Stream” without singing along or “You Can’t Make Old Friends” without tearing up. 

“Those Memories of You” with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt 

From their 1987 album Trio. Written by Alan O’Bryant. Peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

During my freshman year of college, I was browsing the shelves at an outdoors store when the background music caught my attention. At the register, I asked the cashier, “Is this Dolly Parton?” They were playing The Grass Is Blue, her love letter to bluegrass masters. But long before that 1999 album, Dolly, Emmylou, and Linda honored Bill Monroe with their cover of his haunting standard “Those Memories of You.” 

“Why’d You Come Here Lookin’ Like That” 

From her 1989 album White Limozeen. Written by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

This music video is one of my first memories of Dolly, back when her physical enhancements were a punchline on late-night TV. I didn’t understand then that she was in on the joke. Thirty years later, my nephew and nieces would recognize Dolly for her generosity and talent more than anything else. I’ll never forget the first time I heard my youngest niece belt out this song, perfectly mimicking Dolly’s mountain phrasing on “hyur.” 

“He’s Alive” 

From her 1989 album White Limozeen. Written by Don Francisco.  

My Meme had the White Limozeen 8-track. I wish I had listened to it with her, but I was too busy trying to spell “limousine.” Dolly never released “He’s Alive” as a single, but she gave an inspiring performance at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards, backed by Nashville’s Christ Church Choir. Though larger than life, Dolly was grounded in her faith. She opened “He’s Alive” by recalling her mother’s words, hoping the audience would “get a blessin’” from the song. Every Easter, I dial this one up on YouTube.

“Eagle When She Flies” 

From her 1991 album of the same name. Written by Dolly Parton. Peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. 

Eagle When She Flies was one of the first country cassettes I ever owned. “Rockin’ Years,” her duet with Ricky Van Shelton, was the first Dolly song I really loved. The single “Eagle When She Flies” didn’t mean much to me back then, but it’s come to define Dolly for me. “A kaleidoscope of colors”, “strong as steel” with a heart “as soft as feathers.” I picture her as broken as a sparrow after the death of her beloved husband, but flying with the eagles now. 

“Silver and Gold” 

From her 1991 album Eagle When She Flies. Written by Carl Perkins, Gregg Perkins, and Stan Perkins. Peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

Carl Perkins was born about 50 miles north of my home and raised his family 30 miles south of it, so maybe it’s that emotional pull that makes this song so special to me. More likely it’s the message — that the world’s riches mean nothing in heaven — perfectly delivered by a woman who truly believed it and gave generously to causes dear to her. 

“These Old Bones” 

From her 2002 album Halos & Horns. Written by Dolly Parton. 

This is the song that revealed Dolly’s brilliance to me. I was driving the first time I heard “These Old Bones,” and I couldn’t wait to get to my apartment to check the liner notes. I was pretty sure she was playing the mountain soothsayer — affecting her voice to portray the old clairvoyant while also singing as the present-day narrator. The song relies on such strong visuals it’s no wonder Dolly spun it into a movie for her 2019 Netflix project Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Even with the esteemed Kathleen Turner as the witchy woman, the movie can’t hold a candle to Dolly’s five-and-a-half-minute masterclass in mountain storytelling. 

“The Angels Rejoiced” with Sonya Isaacs 

From the 2003 album Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs of the Louvin Brothers. Written by Ira Louvin and Charlie Louvin.  

However I discovered this song, I was hooked from the first line: “A house not a home was the picture Satan painted.”  There’s a gentleness in the way Dolly’s and Sonya’s voices meet, with Sonya’s harmony giving the song a quiet, devotional lift. It’s both true to the Louvin Brothers’ original and unique in its warmth. 

“Travelin’ Thru” 

From the 2006 soundtrack for Transamerica. Written by Dolly Parton. 

“Travelin’ Thru” was never released as a single, but it did earn Dolly her second Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. She drew inspiration from traditional gospel favorites, weaving their themes of wandering and redemption into something entirely new. What pulls me in is the beat and the bright, rolling melody — the way Dolly hits the high notes and nearly breaks on the line, “Sweet Jesus, if you’re out there.” It’s a song about finding your way but also about easing each other’s burdens along the road. 

“What a Heartache” 

From her 2007 album Halos & Horns. Written by Dolly Parton. 

Dolly never gave up on a song she believed in. “What a Heartache” first appeared on her 1984 Rhinestone soundtrack. She recorded it again for 1991’s Eagle When She Flies, which is where I first heard it. But it hit different in 2007, when Dolly released the third of a trio of albums (The Grass Is Blue and Little Sparrow coming ahead of this one) that took her back to her mountain roots while covering unexpected songs from Billy Joel, Collective Soul, and Led Zeppelin. 

“You Can’t Make Old Friends” with Kenny Rogers 

From Kenny’s 2013 album of the same name. Written by Ryan Hanna King, Caitlyn Smith, and Don Schlitz. Peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. 

It’s a shame country radio has largely moved on from the legends who built the genre because “You Can’t Make Old Friends” is a song for all generations. The first time I heard it, I felt the chill bumps rise on my arms. Even reading the lyrics now, my scalp tingles. “What will I do when you’re gone?” What will we do without Dolly — without her shining light, her happy heart, and the way she made us feel like family? 

The One I Left Out 

You’ll likely have songs to add to my list. Maybe “Here You Come Again,” “The Seeker,” or “Wildflowers.” I love those songs too, but there’s a glaring, nearly indefensible omission from my list. 

I’m a ’90s kid, and Whitney Houston introduced me to “I Will Always Love You” when she recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Hearing Dolly’s earnest but less glossy 1974 original after Whitney’s stylized, soaring cover made the song feel a little like a letdown.  

In the years since, the original “I Will Always Love You” has grown on me for its significance to Dolly Parton. As she said goodbye to friends through the years — George Jones and Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers and Naomi Judd — she would end each heartfelt message with a promise. It’s the same promise she made to her fans in thanks for their contributions to and support of her Imagination Library and Dollywood Foundation, for their prayers and kind words after her husband’s passing, and for their faithfulness to her during a career that spanned over six decades. 

“I will always love you,” Dolly told us. 

How lucky we were. And how lucky we still are, to have the songs she left behind.

Unfortunately, Amazon Music doesn’t currently have Halos & Horns, but the YouTube Playlist includes all 20 of my favorite Dolly songs.