Wow! 2019, what an incredible year highlighted by the ever-growing popularity of Dolly! Throughout the year, Dolly continued capturing new generations of fans through amazing collaborations, TV specials, Netflix series and so much more! From the beginning of the year to the end, we’ve seen an unbelievable wave of fandom for this country music icon and mogul! Let’s take a quick look back at this magnificent year in The Dollyverse!
Touted as the most-decorated female country music performer of all time, Dolly Parton didn’t allow her previous successes to slow her down! 2019 proved to be an unbelievable year for an already widely celebrated and successful country music icon and business mogul! Here are a few of the nominations, honors, and achievements Dolly picked up throughout the year.
Having been awarded eight Grammy Awards and nominated for forty-eight, Dolly is no stranger to being recognized for her talent! Dolly’s collaborations on “God Only Knows” with KING & COUNTRY and “Girl in the Movies” with Linda Perry lead to two more Grammy nominations at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
With the success of “God Only Knows,” in collaboration with KING & COUNTRY, Dolly received a nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best contemporary Christian pop, Christian rap/hip-hop, or Christian rock single or track.
Best Song Written For Visual Media
Based on the novel by Julie Murphy, Netflix film Dumplin’ released in 2018 featured Dolly Parton’s uplifting song “Girl in the Movies.” This dreamy ballad led to Dolly & Linda Perry receiving a nomination for Best Song Written For Visual Media. A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television, video games or other visual media.
In addition to Dolly’s personal musical success, Dollywood also received a nomination for it’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas was nominated for USA Today 10Best Award for the best theme park holiday event in the US.
While receiving these nominations throughout the year, Dolly also received multiple honors for both her personal achievements and business acumen.
2019 MusiCares® Person Of The Year - Grammy
The MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during Grammy Week and includes a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive selection of one-of-a-kind items for bidding guests followed by a dinner and tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and other artists paying tribute to Parton's music and legacy.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award from We Are Family Foundation©
This year Dolly also received the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award from We Are Family Foundation©. Dolly received the Peacemaker Award for her charitable efforts, particularly in regards to literacy, primarily through the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Three 2019 Golden Ticket Awards
The Golden Ticket Awards are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions. Dollywood was able to capture three of the 2019 Golden Ticket Awards and earned finalist placement in seven total categories and won more awards than any other park.
Most-Honored Park Wins For Best Kids’ Area Winner
Best Guest Experience Winner
Best Christmas Event Winer
FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award
Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation received this honor from the Knoxville Division for the generous support and goodwill provided to the people who were affected by the 2016 wildfires.
Dolly Earns No. 1 with “Faith”
Dolly Parton & Glantis Debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales Chart. This marks Dolly’s first No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Chart.
Opening of Pirates Voyage in Pigeon Forge and Inaugural Christmas at Pirates Voyage Season
“Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Grand Ole Opry”
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Dolly Parton’s 50th Anniversary Of Opry Membership on NBC.
Grand Ole Opry House also hosted an exclusive Dolly Parton exhibit (“Dolly: My Opry Memories”).
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Nashville Mayor Declares August 5 Dolly Parton Day
Dolly Parton To Be Inducted Into East Tennessee Writers Hall Of Fame
Fire Departments Receive $200,000 From Dolly Parton’s My People Fund
The 53rd Annual CMA Awards
Celebrating legendary women in Country Music, Dolly participated in a history-making performance while also Co-hosting this special night.
“Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings”
The Netflix Original series features eight stories focused on faith, love, and forgiveness all inspired by Dolly’s iconic songs and premiered November 22.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas Carol
With all-new music written by Dolly, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain take on the Christmas Carol debuted and featured in Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre for a limited time.
Near the close of the year, we were happy to announce the launch of “Shop Dolly,” Dolly’s official merch store. With the launch of the Shop Dolly, we’re happy to offer an all-new online shopping experience to engage with Dolly’s brand. Whether it’s a gift for your favorite Dolly fan or a late holiday gift to yourself, Dolly’s new online merch shop has something for everyone.
While these are several highlights of an amazing year for Dolly, be sure to subscribe to her Friends & Fans Newsletter where you can be sure to keep up with all things Dolly!
Visit Dolly Parton's Friends & Fans to subscribe to all things Dolly!
On Saturday, March 16, Dolly Parton met with all of the Fire Chiefs in Sevier County at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa. In recognition of their instrumental role in fighting the 2016 wildfires, The Dollywood Foundation's My People Fund donated $20,000 to each volunteer fire station and gave $40,000 to their area training center. In total, Dolly presented them with $200,000 for their brave service to the community.
"It is only fitting that the last of the My People Fund will go to those who were the first to respond to the fires," said Dolly Parton.
Tim Baker is the Chief of Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department and current President of the Sevier County Fire Chiefs Association. He said, “We are so thankful for this donation to all of the fire departments and for our training center. The Waldens Creek VFD will use part of the money to purchase gear and part of the money to replace the roof on the station.”
According to Chief Baker, the training center donation will help build a new classroom. The training center is located on Center View Road, on property donated by the county. It's used by all fire departments in the county as well as local law enforcement. Chief Baker said,
"This is fantastic. We needed about $40,000 to meet our goal for the classroom and now we have it!”
In conjunction with this donation, the Tennessee House of Representatives presented Dolly Parton with a resolution to recognize and honor her as one of Tennessee's most beloved and accomplished daughters.
Pictured from Left to Right: Mark White, Dale Carr, Dolly Parton, Ron Travis, Andrew Farmer and Robin Smith
The Dollywood Foundation established the My People Fund just 48 hours after the 2016 wildfires. In the weeks and months following, the Fund provided $1000 each month for six months to Sevier County families whose homes were uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County were eligible. Due to the tremendous outpouring of donations and support, the final distribution checks were $5000 (per family).
Photo Credits: Curtis Hilbun
Pictured Above from Left to Right: Pete Kilman, Marvin Rolen, Tim Baker, John Satterfield, Heidi Satterfield, Dolly Parton, Joe Fields, Stephen Walley, Chris Young, Tony Patty, John Linsenbigler
HLN’s Robin Meade of the Morning Express Show recently visited the Great Smoky Mountains. She talked with Dolly Parton about ongoing recovery efforts and the final My People Fund disbursements.
Robin also visited with one of the families affected and shared their story. Roger Prince and Megan Kelly are just one of the families who lost their home in the devastating wildfires. Robin accompanied the couple as they revisited the site where their home once stood.
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Robin also reminds everyone that visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is the best way to show their support. Morning Express with Robin Meade airs weekday mornings on HLN from 6 AM - 11 AM EST.
The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund provided a total of $10,000 (per family) over the course of six months to the more than 900 Sevier County families whose homes were completely destroyed in the Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County were eligible.
The mission of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team is to assist individuals and families recovering from the 2016 wildfires in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Sevier County area to rebuild and provide resources for other unmet needs for both homeowners and renters impacted by the fires.
Devastating wildfires claimed the lives of 14 people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in Sevier County, TN, on November 28, 2016.
Smokies Strong, a title the people of Sevier County, TN, have more than earned in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. They displayed their strength and courage on the very night the fires started and have continued to do so in the following months.
The Dollywood Foundation established the My People Fund just 48 hours after wildfires swept through the county on November 28, 2016. Each month, starting in December 2016, the My People Fund gave $1,000 to every family whose home was lost or destroyed in the fires. May marks the end of the Fund’s six-month pledge to assist the recovery efforts. Due to the tremendous outpouring of donations and support, the My People Fund was able to increase the amount of the final distribution checks from $1,000 to $5,000 (per family). In total, $8.9 million went directly to wildfire victims.
Dolly was on hand at the CARE MORE Assistance Center on May 4 in Pigeon Forge, TN, to present the last checks to three families and to say thank you to the dozens of volunteers who have staffed the effort. Dolly said,
"We started the distribution in December right around the longest night of the year and I know it felt dark and lonely for so many. But here we are in spring, a time for renewal and a time for hope. I know the money helps but most of all I want people to know we will always provide you a shoulder to lean on."
In addition, Dolly’s My People Fund launched a partnership with the Mountain Tough Recovery Team to continue supporting these families in the coming months by providing $3 million for this effort. Dolly made this announcement during a special media event at Smoky Mountain Adventures in Pigeon Forge, TN, on May 5.
Additional contributions, outside of the My People Fund, helped establish and support the Wildfire Scholarship Fund. Thanks to these efforts, every high school junior and senior in Sevier County, whose homes were destroyed by the fires, will receive a $4,500 scholarship.
Today, recovery continues and rebuilding efforts are underway for the people who are and forever will be, Smokies Strong.
My People Fund from Official Dolly Parton on Vimeo.
The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund provided $1,000 each month for six months to Sevier County families whose homes were uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County were eligible.
The mission of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team is to assist individuals and families recovering from the 2016 wildfires in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Sevier County area to rebuild and provide resources for other unmet needs for both homeowners and renters impacted by the fires.
Devastating wildfires claimed the lives of 14 people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in Sevier County, TN, on November 28, 2016.
In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, TN, Dolly and the Dollywood Foundation launched the distribution of assistance from the My People Fund. During the four-day check distribution, 884 families received their initial support payments. Dolly said,
“It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far. We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.”
The next distribution is set for January 26 and 27, 2017, at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Thanks to the generosity of Food City, their customers, associates and more, the company presented checks to the Dollywood Foundation's My People Fund and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Gatlinburg Relief Fund totaling $750,000. Steven C. Smith, Food City President/CEO said,
“Our company has been privileged to operate in the Sevier County/Gatlinburg area for more than thirty years and we certainly want to do everything possible to help our friends and neighbors recover from this devastating disaster."
Food City designated $500,000 to benefit the Gatlinburg Relief Fund, while the remaining $250,000 was directed to the My People Fund.
The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund provides $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County are eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at DollywoodFoundation.org.
Millions of people watched Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, December 13 on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network and during several rebroadcasts throughout the last weekend. As a result, donations continued to roll in and thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Dolly’s friends, the total amount raised has climbed to $9.3 million. David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President commented saying,
“As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming. We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would.”
