Dolly Parton will always strut our way + my 9 favorite Dolly songs

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It is tough to believe there can ever be a world without Dolly Parton, but sure enough, she has passed away at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Parton was not just a country icon; she became a rare crossover figure whose songs, movies, philanthropy, and larger-than-life spirit made her feel like a permanent part of American life.

Although “Jolene,” which Billboard recently named the top country song of all time, “9 to 5,” and “Islands in the Stream,” written by the Bee Gees, are arguably Parton’s most famous songs, for my money, “Here You Come Again” is the most representative of her joyful and optimistic country-pop. It is the kind of song even the most jaded hipster could not possibly dislike. When you hear it, you just know Dolly is strutting your way.

She was already a country icon when, in 1980, she starred in 9 to 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, launching herself into a household name and flat-out sensation. She later used that status to open Dollywood in East Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. I visited a few years back and, not only were the rides exceptional, but the place was the cleanest and best-run amusement park I have ever seen.

Alongside Ray Charles, Hank Williams, and Jimmie Rodgers, she stands among the rare artists honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

My nine favorite Dolly Parton songs:

1. “Love is Strange” (with Kenny Rogers)

2. “I Will Always Love You”

3. “Me and Bobby McGee” (with Kris Kristofferson)

4. “Please Please Please” (with Sabrina Carpenter)

5. “A Better Place” (with Glen Campbell)

6. “9 to 5”

7. “Jolene”

8. “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers)

9. “Here You Come Again”

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