Dolly Parton delighted audiences during her performance at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. Known for her big blonde wigs, giant smile, and lilting Southern twang, she embodied the true essence of an icon. Parton, a celebrated singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, passed away recently at the age of 80. Her contributions spanned from challenging stereotypes like the ‘dumb blonde’ image to starring in beloved films like ‘9 to 5’ and founding the invaluable Imagination Library.
This week, NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour team highlights some cherished Dolly Parton performances. These moments, while possibly not the most significant in her career, are integral to her legacy.
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
On her 1976 show, ‘Dolly,’ she performed with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, singing ‘Bury Me Beneath the Willow.’ Parton, known for her songwriting prowess, also excelled as an interpreter of songs. Her portrayal in this classic Trio setting harks back to the Carter family, with her voice capturing the spirit of the era, laced with humor and emotional depth. The trio’s voices blended seamlessly, creating a timeless performance.
Everyday People with Kermit the Frog
Surprisingly, Parton never appeared on ‘The Muppet Show,’ but she did perform with Kermit on her own variety show. They sang ‘Everyday People’ by Sly and the Family Stone. The performance with Kermit was simple yet joyful, exemplifying her ability to bring happiness, much like the Muppets themselves.
Hard Candy Christmas
‘Hard Candy Christmas’ originated from the show ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.’ Parton performed it in the 1982 film version, later singing it on ‘Bob Hope’s Jolly Christmas Show’ in 1988. In a unique music video-style setting, she lip-syncs the song, walking down grand stairs in a holiday-decorated environment. This setting matched her choice of glitzy, shiny aesthetics, reflecting her deliberate style choices. Parton challenged the moralistic views she grew up with, focusing on compassion and community, values that informed her charity work, support for LGBTQ+ communities, and efforts for child literacy.
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