One of Dolly Parton’s greatest strengths is her ability to spit out ingenious lyrics at the drop of a hat. She wrote two of her most popular songs in a single songwriting session, but it actually goes much deeper than that. Parton began writing songs at seven years old and still continues to do so to this day.
Over the years she has contributed to the music industry some iconic lyrics. “9 to 5”, “Coat of Many Colors”, “Islands in the Stream”, and “Here You Come Again” are only some of the best creations that are timeless and will follow her for years.
Dolly's Writing Journey
Despite being mostly known as a singer at this point, Dolly built the foundation of her success in songwriting. Unlike many singers, she wrote most of her own songs and was responsible for writing various hit singles throughout the years. Some of her songs, such as "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" have become known in almost every household across the United States and around the world.
Parton was nominated for a Best Original Song Academy Award multiple times and has also been nominated for the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award and the Golden Globe for Best Original song in 2005. Dolly captured the hearts of millions throughout her long career and in addition to her musical talents, she was also a savvy businesswoman.
She Plays Everything
Speaking of being an extremely talented lady, many people don’t know that Dolly Parton can play just about every instrument in her shows. She might not be a virtuoso in all of them, but just knowing how to play a tune on any instrument at all is a wonderful addition.
She told Vogue in 2016 that she comes from a very musical family and that everybody played something. When she was a little girl she recalls sitting with her siblings, each one grabbing onto an instrument and they would just play what came to mind.
Parton Often Writes Songs While Traveling
With a busy touring schedule, a few companies to take care of, and loving family life, just where does Dolly get the time to write so many songs? The singer actually had a great answer to this and proved just how creative she can get when there’s something she wants to do.
Parton writes mainly when she's on the bus on tour. It's the only time she can really concentrate and dedicate herself to reading and writing. She writes almost every day — thoughts, songs, phrases, and dreams.
Her Hidden Source of Inspiration
The talented singer has been making music since she was just seven years old. It seems that her passion, creativity, and abilities are almost limitless, as she still continues to impress us even today. Many people wonder just where Dolly gets her inspiration motivation and drive from and she actually has a very interesting answer.
In 2014, Parton said in one interview that she had known for years that music was what she was purposed to do in life. That she has an inner voice that keeps telling her to go on and that nothing would ever stop her. Not a sickness nor a heartache would ever make her stop.