Dolly Parton Quietly Shatters 3 Guinness World Records
2021 was a big year for singer/songwriter Dolly Parton; she won her first Emmy Award and earned her 50th Grammy nomination. The philanthropist also made TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list and People’s People of the Year list for being the definition of a positive influence.
Parton has been part of the entertainment industry for half a century with no sign of slowing down. In December, the 75-year-old added three more impressive achievements in the form of Guinness World records.
Humble icon Dolly Parton
Parton came from a humble Tennessee background, going from the stage of The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour in Knoxville to a spot on The Porter Wagoner Show in the ’60s. Parton is loved by millions across the world for her beautiful songs and undeniable style.
Today, the “I Will Always Love You” singer is part of an elite group of entertainers who have received at least one nomination from each of the four major American entertainment award organizations. This includes the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. In 2004, Parton received the Living Legend Award from the U.S. Library of Congress.
Despite her many successes in film, music, and hospitality, Parton explained to Southern Living that she’s perpetually pouring herself another cup of ambition. Speaking of the 1980 film 9 to 5, there’s a much-anticipated reunion that will bring Parton and her costars, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, together again. The seventh and final season of Grace and Frankie debuts in January.
Parton is also publishing her first book, Run, Rose, Run, a collaboration with bestselling author James Patterson. Set in Nashville, the novel tells the story of a young woman desperate to hide a terrible secret as she pursues her dreams of a country music career. The book and a companion album with 12 original songs by Parton will release on March 7, 2022.
Parton’s three Guinness World Records
On top of all this, Parton has broken three Guinness World Records. According to the New York Post, the “Jolene” singer received a trio of certificates in Nashville by the record association.
Now, Parton holds the record for the most No. 1 hit songs for a female artist on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart with 25 total hits. She also holds the record for the most decades for a female artist on the chart with seven total decades. Parton broke her own record with the most hits on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist with 109 hits.
The country star says she had no idea she’d be in Guinness World Records so many times. But Parton was honored. She thanked everyone who helped her to make these impressive achievements.
Dolly Parton holds other records, too
In 2018, Parton was awarded the most decades with a Top 20 hit on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart with six top-20 hits. She made history earlier in 2021 when she earned a 50th Grammy nomination. Her first nomination was in 1970 for the hit song “Just Someone I Used to Know,” a duet with Wagoner.
Parton’s first Grammy win was in 1979 for her album Here You Come Again. She talked to the Associated Press back in March about her Grammy nomination. She explained that she doesn’t work for recognition but that she considers it special and always loves “to be acknowledged.”
A decade ago, Parton received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Only Beyoncé has more Grammy nominations than Parton with 79. Parton also has two Academy Award nominations in 1981 and 2006 for Best Original Song.
The “Islands in the Stream’ singer is grateful to be able to make a living in the business she loves. Parton considers herself lucky to see her dreams come true and plans to continue as long as she can. The 75-year-old said someone would have to knock her down to stop her.
