The song was one of three songs nominated for an Oscar the same year. The song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from the movie "Hustle & Flow" won the Academy Award.
Dolly spoke to legendary interviewer Larry King about the process that created the song.
“Well Duncan Tucker, who is the writer/director of the film, I understood he was a fan of mine and he called me and asked if I would write this song. And so I said, I'll give it a try. I was actually on tour, and I was out promoting a new CD of my own, the CD that you know about, 'Those Were The Days.' And so I said, I don't know if I'm going to have time to work on it, but I'll see. He said, ‘Oh please, give it a try.’ So he sent me a rough cut of the film, and he gave me some great direction, gave me some great input and I kicked around with it for a little while and one morning I woke up and it just all come together and now here I am, nominated and I was really shocked and surprised it all happened so quick.”
The Oscars, "reward the previous year’s greatest cinema achievements as determined by some of the world’s most accomplished motion picture artists and professionals. The Academy’s roughly 6,000 members vote for the Oscars using secret ballots, which are tabulated by the international auditing firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. The auditors maintain absolute secrecy until the moment the show’s presenters open the envelopes and reveal the winners on live television."
On April 14, 2004, Dolly received the Living Legend Medal from the Library of Congress, its most prestigious award given to people who have made significant contributions to America’s cultural, scientific and social heritage.
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington presented the award to Dolly at a special ceremony in Washington D.C. Billington said of Dolly at the ceremony,
"Dolly Parton has made an indelible mark on pop culture. Her contributions to crossover music, her ability to give voice to women's issues and the retention of her early Appalachian roots all stand as tribute to the artistry, heart and soul that Dolly brings to all she does."
Dolly appeared on July 2, 2003, at the National Zoo to receive the Partnership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service for her work with the American Eagle Foundation to preserve bald eagles. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Steve Griles presented the award.
The non-profit American Eagle Foundation is headquartered at Dollywood theme park and is a non-governmental leader in the preservation of the American eagles. Dolly spoke about her passion for preserving bald eagles at the ceremony,
“Bald eagles have symbolized our country's freedom and heritage for more than 220 years... We are excited and proud that Dollywood and the American Eagle Foundation are donating these two majestic birds to the National Zoo and are playing a special role in dedicating this new eagle exhibit celebrating America's National Wildlife Refuge System."
In addition to receiving the award, Dolly participated in the opening of the bald eagle refuge exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoo, the ribbon cutting ceremony, and donated two bald eagles to the exhibit (Sam and Tioga). Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and National Zoo Director Lucy Spelman were also present.
In 2003, Dolly was honored with the Child and Family Advocacy Award which honors an individual or organization who has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in advocating for children and families. Presented by the Parents as Teachers National Center, the award honors Dolly for her Imagination Library program.
Dolly started her Imagination Library program in 1995 to put age-appropriate books in the hands of preschool-aged children. For communities that choose to support the program, every child receives a book by mail from birth to age five.
Other people who have received the award include Carol Brunson, the National League of Cities, United Way of America, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, Missouri Senator Kit Bond, Marian Wright Edelman, Evelyn Moore, Patricia Kempthorne and the Albertson Foundation, among others.
On Aug. 30, 2002, Country Music Television started its three-part series "The 40 Greatest Women of Country Music," hosted by actor Billy Campbell. Dolly claimed the No. 4 spot, behind Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn, who placed one through three, respectively.
Dolly is interviewed throughout and several of her songs are highlighted, including "Here You Come Again" and "Dumb Blonde." The show also featured interviews with other artists like Emmylou Harris and Barbara Mandrell, who commented on Dolly’s illustrious career and contributions to country music.
According to CMT, the list was selected by hundreds of artists, music historians, music journalists, and music industry professionals who considered every aspect of what a great artist is, from her musically groundbreaking body of work to her overall contributions to the ever-changing world of country music. Country music historian Robert K. Oerman said of Dolly during the special,
"No one can touch her. No one can touch the hem of her dress as far as I'm concerned."
