BMI and USA TODAY recognize Dolly Parton's life and career with top honors.
BMI's "Million-Air" certificates recognize songs that have reached over one million broadcast performances, and Dolly Parton has seven songs with over 22 million cumulative performances. Additionally, USA TODAY included Dolly Parton in their Women of the Century, a list of 100 women who've "made a substantial impact on our country or our lives over the past 100 years."
“I Will Always Love You” Receives 10 Million-Air Awards
In a special presentation via Zoom, Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President and CEO, along with Billboard Magazine, awarded Dolly Parton certificates for seven of her iconic hits. “I Will Always Love You” logged a staggering 10 million performances to date, ranking it in the top 30 of BMI’s most-performed songs of all time. Also included were “Nine to Five" (5 million performances), “Jolene” 2 million), and “Two Doors Down” (2 million). “Seeker,” “Yellow Roses,” and “Coat of Many Colors” all received certificates for the 1 million mark. On the BMI website, O'Neill said,
“Dolly’s career is extraordinary. She is, of course, an incredible performer, actor, philanthropist and businessperson, but for us, it all starts with her songwriting. She tells stories in her songs like no one else can, transcending genres and connecting with her millions of fans. Dolly’s lyrics and music, authenticity, strength, and humor are all extraordinary gifts she has shared with the world.”
BMI Presents Dolly Parton With 7 “Million-Air” Certificates
USA TODAY's Women of the Century
USA TODAY is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment by assembling a list of 100 women who've "made a substantial impact on our country or our lives over the past 100 years." Dolly Parton is among these influential, trailblazing American women. Dolly told USA TODAY,
"But you can't dream at someone else's expense. You've got to get out there, make those dreams come true. You've got to be the one to sacrifice what you need, to lean on who all will help you. You've got to get out there and put legs on them, wings on them, feet on them, hands on them, fingers. You've got to get out there and work it."
USA TODAY article about Dolly Parton by Nicole Carroll
Photo Credit: JB Rowland
