Dolly Parton at 78: The Surprising Truth About Her Feud with Linda Ronstadt
At 78 years old, Dolly Parton has finally opened up about her complicated feelings towards fellow music icon Linda Ronstadt, shedding light on an alleged feud that has intrigued fans for decades.
Known for her bubbly personality and iconic music, Parton’s public image has always been bright.
However, behind the scenes, she has faced intense emotions and challenges, especially regarding her relationships in the music industry.
This article delves into Parton’s early life, her rise to fame, and the tumultuous dynamics of her collaboration with Ronstadt.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton grew up in a one-room cabin near the Little Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Her family, which included 12 children, faced significant financial struggles, living without electricity or indoor plumbing.
Despite these hardships, music was a cornerstone of her upbringing.
Her mother, Alee Caroline Owens, introduced her to traditional ballads and church hymns, instilling a love for music that would shape her future.
By the age of six, Dolly was already performing regularly, showcasing her budding talent.
Her Uncle Bill Owens, recognizing her potential, gifted her a real guitar when she was just eight years old.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey toward a career in music.
Despite their financial difficulties, Dolly’s family supported her ambitions, nurturing her talents and encouraging her dreams.
Parton’s early career took off in 1955 when she began performing on local radio and television shows in East Tennessee, most notably on the Cass Walker Show.
These early appearances were crucial in helping her develop confidence and stage presence.
After graduating high school in 1964, she made the bold move to Nashville, the heart of country music, to pursue her dreams.
Initially, she faced the typical struggles of an aspiring artist, but her songwriting talents soon caught the attention of Combine Publishing.
In 1965, Dolly signed with Monument Records, which initially tried to market her as a pop artist.
However, after a lack of success, the label shifted its strategy, leading to the release of her first country single, “Dumb Blonde,” in 1966.
This song reached number 24 on the Billboard country music chart, marking a significant turning point in her career.
It showcased her strong, independent persona and resonated with country audiences.
A major milestone in Parton’s career came in 1967 when she joined the Porter Wagoner Show.
Wagoner, a well-established country music star, saw great potential in Dolly and invited her to join his television program.
This partnership expanded her reach to a broader audience, and under Wagoner’s guidance, she signed with RCA Victor.
Their first single together, “The Last Thing on My Mind,” reached the top 10 on the country chart, solidifying their musical partnership.
While her collaboration with Wagoner flourished, Dolly was also eager to pursue her solo career.
In 1968, she released her first solo album for RCA, “Just Because I’m a Woman.”
Although it did not achieve the same level of success as her duets with Wagoner, the title track addressed the double standards faced by women, showcasing her boldness in tackling social issues through her music.
In 1969, after seven years on the Porter Wagoner Show, Dolly made the significant decision to leave the program and pursue a solo career.
This move marked her desire to establish her identity in the music industry independently.
The transition was challenging, but Dolly was determined to prove herself beyond the shadow of her mentor.
The song “Just Because I’m a Woman” set the tone for her solo career, showcasing her unique voice and ability to write relatable lyrics.
One of her most iconic hits, “Jolene,” was released in 1973 and quickly captured the hearts of listeners.
The song’s haunting melody and vivid storytelling solidified Dolly’s reputation as a gifted storyteller with a powerful voice.
In 1974, she wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You,” a farewell to Porter Wagoner that reflected the complexity of their professional relationship.
The song topped the country charts and gained global recognition when Whitney Houston covered it in 1992.
As the mid-1970s approached, Dolly Parton had firmly established herself as a country music superstar.
However, she was not content to rest on her laurels.
In 1976, she began exploring new musical territories, aiming to reach a broader audience.
This phase was characterized by a deliberate effort to cross over into pop music.
Her 1977 album, “Here You Come Again,” became a significant turning point, reaching number three on the pop charts and number one on the country album charts.
During this period, Dolly also became a familiar face on television, making frequent appearances on talk shows and variety programs.
In 1976, she launched her own variety show, “Dolly,” which allowed her to showcase her talents beyond music.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed; she received numerous accolades, including several Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
However, behind the scenes, Dolly faced challenges in her collaborations, particularly with Linda Ronstadt.
The two artists, along with Emmylou Harris, formed the trio that would release the critically acclaimed album “Trio” in 1987.
Although the idea for the collaboration arose in the 1970s, it wasn’t until 1986 that their schedules aligned.
The recording process for the first album had its challenges, but nothing compared to what they faced during their second collaboration.
Scheduling and musical conflicts created tension, particularly between Parton and Ronstadt.
Producer George Massenburg noted that the women took great control of their lives and careers, which sometimes led to clashes.
Parton jokingly suggested that the second album could be called “The Three Tempers” due to their disagreements.
Ronstadt’s meticulous studio work frustrated Parton, who preferred a faster pace.
She once remarked, “Ronstadt loves to work in the studio and work slow; it drives me nuts.”
Despite starting recordings in 1994, the album’s release was delayed until 1999.
Parton felt hurt and burdened with guilt, acknowledging that she was a primary problem in getting the album together.
In her 1994 autobiography, she expressed her hope that the project would turn out well, even though she was unsure if it would ever come to fruition.
Their working relationship was complex.
Ronstadt acknowledged that while they were good colleagues with a common love for traditional music, working with Parton could be challenging.
Any suggestions for change would often roll off her, as Parton preferred to do things her way.
Yet, despite these challenges, the second album received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.
The public reception of “Trio” was overwhelmingly positive, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and remaining on the chart for 48 weeks.
The album’s success solidified their place in music history, despite the difficulties they faced during its creation.
As Parton navigated her career, she often felt out of place in Ronstadt’s social circles.
Her guitarist, Don Roth, explained that if Parton seemed aloof, it was because she was intimidated by the big-city people she encountered.
At parties hosted by Ronstadt, Parton felt uncomfortable among major artists and preferred to avoid these gatherings, often expressing her desire to leave as soon as possible.
Despite the ups and downs in her relationships, Dolly Parton has remained a beloved figure in the music industry.
Her journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a global superstar is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination.
As she reflects on her life and career, Parton’s honesty about her feelings toward Ronstadt provides a glimpse into the complexities of fame and collaboration in the entertainment world.
At 78, Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to inspire countless fans, proving that even the most iconic figures have their struggles and insecurities.
Her willingness to confront her feelings and share her experiences adds depth to her already remarkable story, reminding us that behind the glitz and glamour, there are real emotions and challenges that shape the lives of artists.
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