Dolly Parton likely wrote 2 of her biggest hits on the same day

Dolly Parton, the music icon who has passed away at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, is remembered for her powerful songwriting skills. Three of her most iconic songs – Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5 – are not only memorable but also integral to popular music history. These songs demonstrate her skill in blending story and music in a way that few could match.

Parton's songwriting often tackled stories that were not commonly explored in the 1970s, such as Jolene, which captures the torment of watching your lover flirt with someone else. The song's lyrics are a stark contrast to the common themes of love finding or losing love during that time. Musically, the chords and finger-picking guitar add tension and admiration for the skilful playing.

Her song I Will Always Love You, also released in 1974, showcases her ability to blend stories and music to capture a sophisticated theme. The emotion of bittersweet memories and letting go of a deep love is conveyed through sparse lyrics and a familiar chord progression that appears in many hit songs. Parton's cover of Whitney Houston's version features an extended "I" that translates as a cry of agony.

Lastly, Parton's 9 to 5, written for the 1980 movie of the same name, showcases her feminist theme describing workplace inequalities. The relentless patter of lyrics in the verse builds energy like the start of the day, while the chorus nails the hook by changing the rhythm to let the phrase "9 to 5" ring out.