In 2016, Dolly Parton lent her 1973 hit as well as her own vocals to the Grammy Award-winning, a capella group, Pentatonix. "Jolene" by Pentatonix featuring Dolly Parton debuted at No. 18 on the Hot Country Songs chart making Dolly the first and only artist with top 20 hits on Hot Country Songs in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s & '10s.
The recording was a beautiful version of what has become one of Dolly's most recorded songs. Not only was the new version well received by critics and fans alike, but it has also garnered a 2017 Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo / Group Performance.
The nod brings Dolly's total Grammy Award nominations to 47. Will it become her eighth overall win? Time will tell on Feb. 12, 2017, when the 59th Annual Grammy Awards air live on CBS.
Fellow East Tennessee native, Kenny Chesney, joins Dolly and Pentatonix in the category.
Nominees For Best Country Duo / Group Performance
Dierks Bentley With Elle King, “Different for Girls”
Brothers Osborne, “21 Summer”
Kenny Chesney With Pink, “Setting the World on Fire”
Pentatonix With Dolly Parton, “Jolene”
Chris Young With Cassadee Pope, “Think of You”
Pentatonix performed "Jolene" with Jennifer Nettles at the CMT tribute to Dolly when she received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in November. They later joined Miley Cyrus on "The Voice" for another televised performance of "Jolene."
Watch the 59th Annual Grammy Awards live on CBS on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.
Setting another record, Dolly Parton becomes the first artist in history with top 20 hits on Hot Country Songs Chart in every decade since the 1960s. With the new smash hit, a cappella version of "Jolene" by Pentatonix featuring Dolly Parton, the queen of country music has proven yet again why she reigns supreme.
Dolly's long-time friend and occasional duet partner, Willie Nelson, could tie Dolly's record if he scores a top 20 song in the '10s. He already holds top 20 hits on Hot Country Songs in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s. Dolly's last appearance on the Hot Country Songs Top 20 was her featured spot on Brad Paisley's 2006 No. 1 hit "When I Get Where I'm Going."
Dolly, Willie and Brad along with a host of country music's legendary and current artists are featured on "Forever Country." The song and epic music video is a mashup of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by the late John Denver, “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson and Dolly’s “I Will Always Love You.” The collaboration is a celebration of The 50th Annual CMA Awards at which Dolly will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dolly's first appearance on any Billboard chart was made back in 1967 when "Dumb Blonde" peaked at No. 24. Dolly followed it up with "Something Fishy," which climbed to No. 17 in August of 1967. Back in 1974, Dolly's original version of "Jolene" topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
Featured photo by Jeremy Westby / Webster Public Relations
Now on their 2016 World Tour, Pentatonix will release a new single, "Jolene," featuring Dolly Parton. The group first emerged in 2011 and have today sold over 2.8 million albums in the U.S. alone. Their latest release, "Pentatonix" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and the group appeared in the 2015 feature film "Pitch Perfect 2."
Dolly first introduced the world to "Jolene" in late 1973. The title track from her 13th studio album dropped as a single a few months before the album was released in February of the following year. It has since become Dolly's most covered song with versions by The White Stripes, Olivia Newton-John, Miley Cyrus, Rhonda Vincent and many more.
A very special thanks to our friends at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for making this happen!
Dolly Parton Pure & Simple Tour Schedule
Stella Parton, who recently starred as Corla Bass in “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” released a new album called Mountain Songbird “A Sister’s Tribute.” The project features 11 of Stella’s favorite Dolly songs and two original cuts.
Stella co-wrote the title track “Mountain Songbird” with Tom T. and Dixie Hall. It shares Stella’s perspective of what she and the family were feeling when Dolly left for Nashville, TN at 18-years-old. The sisters teamed up to co-write "More Power To Ya," an empowering, original song featuring Dolly's harmony vocals. Dolly said,
“Stella is a great singer, entertainer and songwriter. All the more reason I am so proud she decided to do a tribute CD of my songs.”
Choosing 11 songs from Dolly's musical vault was a difficult task for Stella, especially considering Dolly has written over 3,000. Stella commented on making her selections,
“So in the end, while making the decision to record this tribute album of 11 of my favorites, I decided to sing the story songs, because they resonated with me the most.”
"Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" are among those songs Stella selected. Stella will promote Mountain Songbird "A Sister's Tribute" in an upcoming tour in the United Kingdom.
For tour dates, visit Stella Parton's Facebook page.
Singer-songwriter and musician, Jennifer Nettles, portrays Dolly Parton's mother in the new NBC film based on Dolly's song, "Coat of Many Colors." Best known as lead vocalist of the country duo Sugarland, Jennifer is a storyteller at heart. She was beyond thrilled to join in the re-telling of this beloved story from Dolly's childhood.
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Q. As you started to develop your character, what things about Avie Lee stood out or perhaps surprised you?
A. What I loved most about Avie Lee was her authentic mixture of vulnerability, compassion and strength. She loses a child and goes into a dark depression. She checks out for a while. She is real and wounded and human. But, her love of her family gives her strength to push beyond and create a beautiful metaphor of rebirth out of tragedy by making a coat for Dolly. I love so much that beautiful, living metaphor of her sewing those pieces back together. So womanly and strong.
Q. The Parton family is known for their tight-knit bonds. While filming, did the cast develop similar family-like relationships?
A. We had a ball. Having so many kids in the cast kept us all laughing and humble. Children have a beautiful way of demanding your presence and that definitely provided levity much of the time. Though there were times where I definitely heard myself become "mother-hen" in trying to help keep their little attentions for the next shot. And, true to the script, many of the older children helped to keep the younger ones in focus.
Q. Considering everything you have done in your career, where does this role rank in your list of achievements?
A. Playing the role of Avie Lee definitely ranks up at the top of the list for rewarding artistic experiences. I love telling stories, be it in a three and a half minute song or as an actor. Getting to tell such a beautiful story as Avie Lee's and getting to dive deeply into her heart, her struggles and her strength was such a treat for me.
Q. Knowing that Dolly herself helped cast you in this role, did you feel a certain amount of pressure to get it right and if so how did you handle it?
A. You better believe I felt pressure!! I was chosen to play Dolly Parton's mother!! The relationship between a mother and child is so special and sacred and complex. I wanted to honor their close bond and make Dolly proud at the same time. I asked Dolly about her mother and also pulled from my own precious relationship with my mother, not to mention my own relationship with my son as a mother myself.
Q. The song "Coat of Many Colors" first debuted in 1971, yet it still has a powerful message for people today. Why do you think people relate so well to this story?
A. The symbol of the "Coat of Many Colors" is one of alchemy. We are all so attracted and attached to the very real experience of something simple and humble actually holding the most value. We love and relate to taking humility and limited resources and watching them be transformed into gold, through the lens of love.
Q. Other than "Coat of Many Colors," do you have a favorite Dolly song?
A. "Jolene." Of course. Such a fantastic story of the complexities and messiness of love and life. And I love that it is from one woman to another.
Q. What was your favorite moment of making the film or your favorite takeaway?
A. Interestingly enough, my favorite moments were the most painful ones. The funeral scene in particular. How cathartic. I hope its rawness touches people and reminds them that their own losses are seen and understood.
See more cast interviews and tune in Thursday, December 10 at 9/8c on NBC to watch Jennifer Nettles as Avie Lee Parton in "Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors."
