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NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – In remembering legendary singer and songwriter Dolly Parton, WITN spoke to country music radio station WRNS out of New Bern about her impact on the industry.
From hit songs “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton has had an undeniable impact in the music industry, with a career spanning decades.
“Dolly really paved the way for a lot of women and did it in her own way,” Operations Manager Crystal Legends says. “Dolly always had big hair and wore sequins. She didn’t have to show up riding a horse and camo to be country.”
Hundreds of country music artists, including Taylor Swift, have visited WRNS in the past, and although Parton never made the trip, Legends says they see her influence in artists they work with every day.
“There’s no one that doesn’t credit Dolly. There’s no one. You can watch all the tributes that are coming through. Everyone credits Dolly with something. She wasn’t just an artist. She played over twenty different instruments, and she always lent a hand, lent an ear,” Legends told WITN.
“We see the surge of female country artists now, and we almost see them channel Dolly Parton,” Production Director TK Vaden says. “It’s amazing to see. The Lainey Wilsons, the Ella Langleys, and beyond.”
Parton’s impact not only reached modern artists, but spanned decades of influence on music.
“She impacted every generation that she was a part of, which is hard to do,” Market Manager Tony Denton says. “They remember her, and she affected them in some way. Certainly, my parents’ generation, which is where she really got started, then mine.”
In addition, Parton’s influence extended far beyond music. She was a philanthropist and businesswoman, among many other titles.
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