In a world that often chases the next big thing, Dolly Parton is living proof that the biggest thing may just be timeless grace, boundless creativity, and heart so vast it makes the world feel like home. At 79 years old, the Queen of Country isn’t slowing down—she’s speeding up, breaking barriers, honoring love, and launching empires. In 2025, Dolly Parton isn’t just a cultural icon—she’s a living legacy rewriting what it means to age, to evolve, and to lead with love.
Dolly kicked off 2025 by orchestrating one of the most emotionally resonant projects of her career—Threads: My Songs in Symphony. This ambitious, multimedia concert experience tells her life story not through traditional performance, but through lush orchestral arrangements, exclusive on-screen narration, and carefully curated visuals that immerse the audience in the soul of Dolly’s music. No, she’s not taking center stage with a mic in hand—but her voice, her vision, and her spirit guide every note.
The idea for Threads: My Songs in Symphony began as a deeply personal vision Dolly had to tell her life story through the music that shaped it—not just through lyrics, but through the emotion and depth only a full symphony could convey. Inspired by the timeless nature of classical music and the enduring power of her songs, Dolly wanted to create an experience where her journey could be felt as much as heard. As she reflected on decades of songwriting, she saw each song as a thread, weaving together moments of joy, struggle, love, and triumph. With that in mind, she envisioned a multimedia concert that would allow fans to follow those threads—brought to life by orchestras across the country, intimate storytelling, and visual memories—creating a tapestry that honors her past while inspiring new generations.
“My songs are the threads of my life,” Dolly shared in a heartfelt message to fans. “They’ve tied me to my roots, to my dreams, and to the people I love.”One of those people was Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years, who passed away recently. With a trembling strength that only Dolly could muster, she released If You Hadn’t Been There, a tender tribute to Carl. It’s more than a song—it’s a love letter, a memory, a goodbye wrapped in gratitude. In true Dolly fashion, the heartbreak becomes a celebration of deep, enduring love. The song resonated deeply with fans, praising it for its raw emotion. The song quickly climbed the charts, earning critical acclaim and reaffirming Dolly’s place as a master storyteller, with industry insiders lauding it as one of her most poignant releases in recent years.
Even amid personal loss, Dolly’s vision blooms. At Dollywood, her beloved theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 2025 marks a 40th anniversary celebration of dreams turned into mountainside magic. A dazzling new indoor attraction is set to open in 2026, but this year’s big highlight is the “I Will Always Love You Music Festival,” a homage to the hit that defined decades and emotions across the globe. Every morning, the park launches with a heartwarming ceremony that feels like a hug from Dolly herself. “I built Dollywood to give folks joy,” she said during opening weekend. “And after all these years, that’s still what it’s all about.”
Never one to limit herself to just one lane, Dolly also expanded her business empire this year with a heart (and stomach)-warming twist. In partnership with Conagra Brands, she launched a line of comfort food inspired by the Southern kitchen she grew up in—think creamy mac & cheese, slow-cooked meats, and down-home snacks straight from her family’s recipe box. Fans are salivating over this new line of down-home comfort foods. Saying this is like a warm hug from the heart of Tennessee. The Country Queen is serving up Southern goodness with everything from creamy chicken and dumplings to golden, flaky pies and rich, buttery cake mixes that taste just like grandma used to make. Each dish is made with love and inspired by Dolly’s own family recipes, bringing a little bit of her kitchen to yours. And to top it all off? A darling, guitar-shaped bottle of sweet syrup—perfect for pouring over a stack of Dolly’s fluffy pancakes. It’s a true taste of Southern hospitality, straight from Dolly’s heart to your table.
And just in time for picnic season, she dropped Dolly’s Heart & Home with Dollar General—which brings the warmth, color, and comfort of her Tennessee roots straight into everyday homes. Bursting with Americana charm, the line features kitchen essentials, picnic accessories, and home décor inspired by summer days, family gatherings, and the simple joy of being together. From gingham prints and sweet floral patterns to cozy linens and tableware made for sharing meals and memories, every piece reflects Dolly’s signature blend of style and heart. “I’ve always believed that a home should feel like a hug,” Dolly shared. “With this collection, I wanted to bring folks a little piece of my world—where love, laughter, and good food are always at the center.” Designed to be affordable, practical, and full of charm, Heart & Home is perfect for anyone looking to add a little Dolly magic to their everyday life. Whether you’re setting the table for Sunday supper or planning a backyard picnic, this collection makes it easy to fill your home with love—and just the right amount of sparkle.
Dolly Parton’s iconic anthem gets a bold new twist in the fashion world as she teams up with Khloé Kardashian and Good American to launch Joleen Jeans—a sassy, size-inclusive denim line made for women who know what they want and how to wear it. With figure-flattering fits, a splash of Southern charm, and a whole lot of attitude, these jeans aren’t just turning heads—they’re rewriting the rules. The Joleen Jeans collaboration between Dolly Parton and Khloé Kardashian’s Good American brand is a fashion match made in country-glam heaven. Inspired by Dolly’s iconic style and spirit, the denim line combines curve-loving cuts with bold, feminine flair—and it all started from Khloé’s lifelong admiration for the queen of country herself.
“I’ve loved Dolly Parton since I was a little girl,” Khloé shared. “She’s fierce, fabulous, and totally unapologetic—everything I aspire to be. I even had a Dolly-themed birthday party because I just adore her that much.” The collection reflects that admiration, blending Dolly’s signature sass with Good American’s commitment to body positivity and inclusivity.
Dolly, ever the humble powerhouse, added, “Khloé’s got a great sense of style, and when she came to me with this idea, I thought it was just fun and fabulous. I said, ‘Why not put a little rhinestone sparkle in some denim?’” With this collaboration, the two icons prove that strong women—and great jeans—never go out of style. I’ve loved Dolly Parton since I was a little girl,” Khloé shared. “She’s fierce, fabulous, and totally unapologetic—everything I aspire to be.
Dolly Parton is bringing her signature sparkle to the world of beauty with her upcoming line, Dollygen and Dollagen—a glamorous collection of skincare and cosmetics that channels her timeless charm and radiant confidence. Designed to make every woman feel beautiful in her own skin, the line is expected to feature everything from glow-boosting serums to classic Dolly-inspired makeup essentials like bold lipsticks, fluttery lashes, and luminous highlighters. Rooted in Southern beauty traditions with a modern twist, Dolly’s goal is simple: to help folks shine from the inside out. “Beauty comes from within,” Dolly has often said, “but a little lipstick and a good attitude don’t hurt!” With her beauty brand on the horizon, Dolly continues to prove that age is just a number—and glam never goes out of style.
PRETTY PLEASE WITH A LITTLE DOLLY ON TOP: SABRINA & DOLLY’S DREAMY DUET
In one of the most unexpected and exciting musical pairings of the year, Dolly Parton joined pop darling Sabrina Carpenter for a surprise remix of Carpenter’s infectious hit “Please Please Please,” featured on the deluxe edition of her chart-topping album Short n’ Sweet. The track, already a fan favorite, takes on a new emotional richness with Dolly’s iconic voice layered into the harmonies—adding a touch of sass, soul, and Southern wisdom to the song’s playful plea for love and honesty. The collaboration feels like a conversation between generations, with Dolly’s seasoned storytelling meeting Sabrina’s witty, modern edge in perfect harmony.
For Sabrina, the duet was more than just a career milestone—it was a dream come true. “Getting to work with Dolly Parton is a literal fantasy,” Sabrina shared in a recent interview. “She’s been such a huge inspiration to me as a songwriter and a woman in music. She brings so much grace and personality to everything she does, and hearing her voice on my song gave me chills. I still can’t believe it’s real.”
Dolly, ever generous and full of sparkle, was equally enthusiastic about the project. “When I first heard Sabrina’s song, I just thought it was so clever and catchy,” Dolly said. “She’s got a real spark to her, and I love how fearless she is with her music. I thought, ‘Well, maybe I could add a little Dolly flavor to it,’ and we just had the best time putting it together.”
The result is a remix that’s equal parts flirty and empowering, blending Dolly’s legendary warmth with Sabrina’s vibrant energy. It’s a reminder that great music knows no age, and that when two fearless women come together—whether they’re 24 or 79—they can create pure magic.
Dolly Wiggles and Giggles!
Dolly Parton continues to sprinkle her signature magic across generations—this time teaming up with beloved children’s group The Wiggles for a heartwarming, toe-tapping collaboration. Their new country-inspired album Wiggle Up, Giddy Up! features Dolly on two standout tracks: the sweet and joyful original “Friends!” and a charming twist on her classic hit, reimagined as “Counting 1 to 5,” turning the iconic 9 to 5 into a playful counting song for little learners. “Well, I just wiggled my way out into the Wiggles’ world!” Dolly joked with her signature sparkle, clearly thrilled to share her music with a whole new audience of tiny fans. This collaboration is a natural fit for Dolly, whose lifelong devotion to children shines through in every project she touches. Her Imagination Library—a program she launched nearly three decades ago—has now gifted over 270 million books to children around the world, and 2025 marks its milestone 30th anniversary. As the program continues to grow, so does Dolly’s mission to nurture young minds through literacy, music, and joy. With her work alongside The Wiggles and her ever-expanding reach through the Imagination Library, Dolly is proving once again that, it’s never too early—or too late—to dream big and sing even louder.
In 2025, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened the doors to one of its most anticipated exhibitions yet: Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. Running through September 2026, the exhibit offers a deeply personal look at Dolly’s six-decade evolution from a hopeful dreamer in the Smoky Mountains to a global icon of music, style, and resilience. The collection features a treasure trove of memorabilia—handwritten lyrics to timeless hits like “Jolene,” the humble cassette recorder she used to capture classics like “I Will Always Love You,” and a glittering array of her signature stage costumes that helped define her image as much as her voice did.
Reflecting on the exhibit, Dolly shared, “Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me. This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
I COUNT MY BLESSINGS FAR MORE THAN I COUNT MY MONEY. I DON’T NEED FAME OR FORTUNE TO BE HAPPY—JUST THE CHANCE TO DO WHAT I LOVE AND BRING JOY TO OTHERS. ~ DOLLY PARTON
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, echoed that sentiment, saying, “Dolly Parton is an artist of enduring impact, a true cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond music. With Journey of a Seeker, we’re honored to showcase the depth of her creativity and the incredible determination that has defined her journey.” The exhibit doesn’t just celebrate her musical achievements—it captures her curiosity, compassion, and courage to carve her own path. It’s a radiant reminder that Dolly isn’t just a star—she’s a seeker, always moving forward with heart, humor, and a whole lot of sparkle.
This summer, the curtain rises on one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the year—Dolly: An Original Musical, making its world premiere in none other than Dolly Parton’s beloved hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Opening July 18 at the stunning Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, the show traces Dolly’s extraordinary life story through a brand-new book co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, paired with a dazzling score of both original songs and fan favorites. The excitement has been so overwhelming that the initial run has already been extended through August 31—well before the musical even makes its Broadway debut in 2026.
Nashville Nights, Broadway Lights
For Dolly, bringing this show to Nashville is both a personal and poetic full-circle moment. “I am Tennessee born and raised, and Nashville has been my musical home for over 60 years,” she shared. “So, this is the right and perfect place to present the world premiere of my life story as a musical. Right here in Nashville, at the beautiful Belmont University’s Fisher Center.”
Adding to the celebration, Belmont University has become a meaningful part of the project through its innovative “Dolly U” curriculum. Students are not only studying Dolly’s cultural and musical impact in the classroom but also gaining hands-on experience with the production itself—working closely with cast, crew, and creatives.
Dr. Stephen Eaves, Dean of Belmont’s College of Music & Performing Arts, noted, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to learn from and contribute to a major theatrical production inspired by one of the most iconic artists in American music. Dolly’s story is both inspiring and educational, and we’re honored to help bring it to life on stage.”
With a blend of rhinestones, heart, and Broadway dreams, Dolly: An Original Musical is shaping up to be more than just a show—it’s a homegrown celebration of grit, grace, and the enduring power of music to tell the story of a life well-lived.
“I always say I’m not a self-made woman. I’m a God-made woman. I’ve worked hard, sure—but I’ve also been incredibly blessed with opportunities and people who believed in me.”
— Dolly Parton
And perhaps one of the most meaningful upcoming projects on Dolly Parton’s horizon is her long-awaited new gospel and inspirational album—a deeply personal endeavor that she says has been on her heart for years. Known for her dazzling stage presence and songwriting genius, Dolly has never shied away from sharing the source of her strength: her unshakable faith. Now, in a world she describes as “a little crazier every day,” she’s channeling that faith into a powerful new body of work meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. “I want to make a great Gospel album,” Dolly shared in a recent interview. “A big, inspirational production of some great uplifting music for this crazy world these days. But I’ll be writing and singing and creating as long as I’m alive. You know, as long as I can, as long as I’m healthy enough to do it. Whatever my age is, I’m going to be doing just that.”
For Dolly, this album isn’t just a creative project—it’s a reflection of the faith that has guided her every step of the way. “My faith is everything to me,” she has said in past interviews. “I always say I’m not a self-made woman—I’m a God-made woman. And I’ve always believed that if you do your part, God will do His.”
This upcoming gospel record will be filled with both classic hymns and original songs, capturing the warmth, honesty, and spiritual conviction that have always been woven into Dolly’s music. It’s not just another album—it’s a love letter to her roots, a reflection of grace, and a musical offering of hope for anyone who needs a little light in their life.
If Dolly’s story this year teaches us anything, it’s this: you’re never too old to dream a new dream, to love more deeply, to start again. From the sound of symphonies to the taste of buttered biscuits, she reminds us that legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—it’s what you live out loud, every single day.
Dolly Parton isn’t just having a moment in 2025. She’s making a movement. And the world is better because she’s still writing her song.
