It is hard enough to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and yet for Dolly Parton, 2019 marks her 50th year as a member. On Oct. 12, the iconic country singer celebrated her accomplishment with not one, but two sold-out performances at the Nashville institution.
According to Billboard, Parton was not alone in celebrating her 50 years, as artists such as Toby Keith and Lady Antebellum actually covered her songs in an effort to share their own appreciation for her career and impact on the music industry.
While speaking to the media prior to her performances, Dolly Parton made it clear that even though she has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, she has actually been performing for 60 years, which is an accomplishment all on its own. However, that was not the only thing that the singer had to say, as she also made it clear that, “The night that I actually became a member 50 years ago was one of the highlights of my whole life because it was a true dream of mine… You never know what’s going to happen to you in your life.”
Over the years, Parton has accomplished many things and made a name for herself as more than just a country singer. While her music career may have been what granted her membership in the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly Parton’s work has given her a following that truly appreciates everything she does, including her work in movies.
During her celebration of her career, Parton reminisced about songs she has written, while also showing off her impressive sense of humor. At one point a man in the audience yelled out that he loved her, and her quick response was, “I told you to wait in the truck.”
Beyond giving fans what they wanted with some of her classic songs such as ‘Jolene’ and ‘9 to 5,’ Dolly Parton promised that she planned to release more music in the future. Plus, her goal is to release songs that are about better things, such as love and light. Basically the singer is prepared to not only continue proving why she is a longstanding member of the Grand Ole Opry, but give fans something to look forward to.
Written by Kimberley Spinney
Sources:
Billboard – Dolly Parton Celebrates 50 Years as Grand Ole Opry Member: ‘It’s a Humbling Experience’
Image Credit – Timothy Wildey’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
