Dolly Parton: The ‘Queen Of Country’ Went Out A Rockstar

Dolly Parton, known as the Queen of Country, left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. Her final studio album, Rockstar, was a testament to her genre-bending spirit and willingness to take risks.

The 2023 covers album brought together some of rock's most recognizable names, including Ann Wilson, Sting, John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steven Tyler, Joan Jett, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and Rob Halford. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Rockstar: A Star-Studded Debut

Imagination Library was a program Parton created in honor of her father , someone who could not read and write but also someone who Parton considered the smartest man she knew.

Since passing, Parton’s family has asked in “lieu of flowers” that donations instead be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library .

With Dolly Parton’s death her musical legacy and extensive philanthropic work is being remembered and celebrated across the world. While she’ll forever be known as the Queen of Country, her final studio album happened to be her debut outing in rock music.

Dolly Parton Queen Details and Timeline

The 2023 covers album, Rockstar, had Parton team up with a litany of musicians, many of whom were far and above rock royalty – including Ann Wilson, Sting, John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steven Tyler, Joan Jett, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and Rob Halford (Judas Priest). The album featured some of the most recognizable rock anthems like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird" and Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain.” The catalyst for Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album was actually a result of her declining to be a nominee in the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

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After she was confirmed as a nominee for the class of 2022, Parton released the following statement : "Dolly here! Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right.

I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.

I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again - if I’m ever worthy. This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock’n’roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do!

My husband is a total rock’n’roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment.

Good luck!" Among the myriad of things that have showcased Parton as a class act, her respectfully declining the nomination and then going out of her way to produce a rock album backed Prior to her releasing Rockstar, Parton went on to perform at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. Her performance was accompanied Among the songs she performed, Parton’s dazzling performance of “Jolene,” accompanied While Parton felt it was necessary to have the genre credentials in order to have a place in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, her actions and her character are what established her as one of the world’s greatest rockstars, long before she released a rock album.