In 1986, Dolly was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, an organization that serves to honor and preserve the songwriting legacy associated specifically with the Nashville music community.
One of the world’s most prolific songwriters, Dolly once said,
"Anybody can sing, but not everybody can write.”
For Dolly, writing is more of a self-expression, as evidenced by the powerful storytelling exhibited in some of her greatest hits. On several occasions, when asked what she is proudest of in her career achievements, Dolly places her songwriting at the top of the list.
In 1984, Dolly Parton starred alongside of Kenny Rogers in "Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas To Remember," a network television special inspired by "Once Upon A Christmas," a popular Christmas album recorded by Dolly and Kenny Rogers.
The two artists had previously recorded each other’s songs but only met on a few occasions. "Islands in the Stream" marked their first duet recording. However, Rogers originally intended to perform the song as a solo.
Dolly happened to be in the same studio when Kenny and his team were struggling to make the song work. They approached her about turning the song into a duet. Rogers said,
“Once she came in [the studio], that song was never the same. She lit it up and we became good friends from that point on.”
Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb (the Bee Gees) wrote the song originally for Marvin Gaye. It was based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway of the same name and was originally intended to be an R&B song. Barry and Maurice Gibb also performed as background singers and musicians on the Dolly and Kenny recording.
The song reached No. 1 on the pop, country and adult contemporary charts. It first appeared on Rogers’ "Eyes that See in the Dark" album, released on RCA records in August 1983. Dolly and Kenny received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
In 1982, Dolly starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the American musical comedy film, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." The film revolves around a sheriff, played by Burt Reynolds, and a regular patron who fights to keep a historical whorehouse open when a television preacher targets it as the devil’s playhouse.
The film was Dolly’s second appearance in a major theatrical release, her first being "9 to 5." The film was successfully positioned as a star vehicle for Dolly and Burt Reynolds.
With a budget of $35 million and gross box office sales of $69 million, the film was a huge success. It earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Dolly.
On February 14, 1979, Dolly partnered with Carol Burnett to star in a variety television special titled, "Dolly and Carol in Nashville." During the show, Dolly sang several songs, including "Amazing Grace," "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Around." Carol and Dolly also performed various comedic skits together during the broadcast.
