Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, known primarily for her decades-long career in country music.
During an exclusive presentation in Nashville, Tennessee, Guinness World Records presented beloved international superstar Dolly Parton with three new record titles celebrating her remarkable career.
- Longest span of No.1 hits on the US Top Country Albums chart (female) – On 14 May 1977, New Harvest…First Gathering was the first of Dolly Parton’s eight No. 1s on the Billboards Top Country Albums chart.
Dolly’s most recent chart-topper was A Holly Dolly Christmas on 17 October 2020, which gave her a No.1 duration of 43 years 156 days.
Dolly is ranked third overall, behind Johnny Cash (50 years 91 days) and Merle Haggard (48 years 192 days).
However, with A Holly Dolly Christmas, she extended her lead over Reba McEntire (30 years 284 days) and Shania Twain (22 years 91 days) who had a 20+-year span of No.1s on Top Country Albums.
- Most studio albums released by female country singer – Dolly Parton released 65 studio albums between 1967 (Hello, I’m Dolly) and 2022 (Run, Rose, Run).
Her discography includes 13 albums with Porter Wagoner from 1968–1980.
All of them reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart – and eight country No.1s: New Harvest… First Gathering (1977), Here You Come Again (1977), Heartbreaker (1978), 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (1980), Trio (with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt; 1987), Eagle When She Flies (1991), Pure & Simple (2016) and A Holly Dolly Christmas (2020).
- Most Top 10 entries on the US Top Country Albums chart (female) – Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection was Dolly’s 48th Top 10 entry on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The album – featuring “9 to 5”, “Jolene”, “Here You Come Again” and “I Will Always Love You” – debuted at No.4 on 3 December 2022.
Dolly’s first experience in the Top 10 was with Porter Wagoner on Just Between You and Me on 9 March 1968. Advertisements
Her first Top 10 as a solo artist was with My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy on 13 December 1969.
“I am humbled every time I receive a new Guinness World Record title,” said Dolly.
“I share these three new honours with my fans, who have allowed me to enjoy such a long career.”
This is not the first time the country icon is recognized for a Guinness World Records title.
In fact, the legendary star holds seven others:
- Most decades with a Top 20 hit on the US Hot Country Songs chart
- Most No.1 hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist
- Most decades on the US Hot Country Songs chart (female)
- Most hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist
- Longest span of No.1 hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart
- First country singer to be nominated for the EGOT
- Most Grammy nominations for a female country artist
“Celebrating the longevity and success of Dolly Parton’s remarkable career with three more Guinness World Records titles was incredible, added adjudicator Michael Empric.
Dolly Parton with Official Adjudicator Michael Empric and Manager Danny Nozell
“Dolly isn’t just a legend… she is Officially Amazing!” Dolly’s journey to becoming the ‘Queen of Country Music’ began at the young age of 10.
Her phenomenal songwriting skills and powerful voice have proven her to be a huge presence on both the country and pop music scene for years.
Although she first found success with country star Porter Wagoner, the global music icon eventually began her own career filled with popular songs.
Twice, Dolly and Porter were the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year and together had 14 Top Ten hits between 1967 and 1980.
Dolly’s first solo hit was “Joshua” (1971), followed by three other number-one songs in 1974: “Jolene,” “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” and “I Will Always Love You,” which was famously covered by Whitney Houston.
In 1999, she was even inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
But it isn’t just Dolly’s voice that makes her impressive. Her larger-than-life personality and big heart have made her valued throughout the world.
By Guinness World Records
