In 2007, Dolly was recognized with the Johnny Mercer Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Dolly has written over 3,000 songs throughout her career. The Johnny Mercer Award is given to songwriters previously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame but, as the organization said in a statement
“whose body of work is of such high quality and impact, that it upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer.”
Prior to accepting the award, Dolly commented on her formula for success,
"You need to be yourself. Stay true to yourself, and be aware of the stuff you say and the stuff that you do… I always try to be true to me, and be true to my music."
Johnny Mercer was an incredibly popular performer, composer, and lyricist from the 30s through the 50s. Mercer wrote the lyrics to over 1,500 songs, received 19 academy award nominations, and won 4 Academy Awards during his career.
Dolly was honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame Award from the National Academy of Popular Music on June 14, 2001. The award was established in 1969 to help "shine the spotlight on the accomplishments of songwriters who have provided us with the words and music that form the soundtrack of our lives." Emmylou Harris performed for Dolly’s induction ceremony.
Dolly sees herself as a songwriter and considered the award one of the greatest of her life,
“Honestly, being put into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with all the great people in there, would have to be one of the greater compliments that anyone could ever be paid. I don't know that I'm deserving, but it makes me want to go out and write songs."
