The heart, hope and steely determination behind a musical legacy
BBC music correspondent Mark Savage looks back on the legacy of the "irreplaceable" late singer.
Dolly Parton's musical legacy is a testament to her heart, hope, and determination. In 1980, while filming 9 To 5, she conceived the idea for the iconic theme song during breaks. Unable to use her guitar on set, she improvised by striking her acrylic nails together, producing a sound reminiscent of a typewriter. This song resonated with her co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, who recognized its potential as an anthem.
The universal message of work-related frustrations and the struggle for women's rights in the corporate world made 9 To 5 a hit, earning Parton a US number one solo artist status and an Oscar nomination for best song. Subsequent songs like "I Will Always Love You" and "Coat of Many Colors" showcased her ability to express real fury and share personal experiences, becoming poignant expressions of hope and heart.
Despite facing sexism in the music industry since her teenage years, Parton remained resilient and never held grudges, always crediting those who helped her launch her career. Her determination and business acumen, such as refusing to relinquish publishing rights to Elvis Presley and investing Whitney Houston's royalty earnings in a black neighborhood in Nashville, solidify her status as a symbol of strength and self-worth for artists.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
