Dolly Parton turns 80 on January 19, marking eight decades of one of the most influential and beloved performers in music history.
Few performers have left a mark as wide-reaching as Dolly Parton. Across more than six decades, she has built a career defined by storytelling, authenticity, and an unwavering connection to her audience.
A songwriter, performer, producer, author, and philanthropist, Dolly has released more than 40 studio albums and written over 3,000 songs. She has earned 11 Grammy Awards, been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her songwriting catalog includes some of the most enduring songs in popular music, many of which have crossed genres and generations.
Rising to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dolly crafted songs rooted in lived experience, resilience, love, and independence. Tracks like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5” cemented her reputation as a master storyteller, while her ability to balance vulnerability with strength made her voice instantly relatable. Beyond music, she became a successful actress, cultural icon, and tireless advocate for literacy through the Imagination Library, which has gifted millions of books to children worldwide.
Musically, Dolly’s influence extends far beyond country. Her songs have been reinterpreted across pop, rock, folk, and soul, proving the timelessness of her writing. Even later in her career, she continues to reinvent herself, collaborating with contemporary artists and releasing projects that bridge tradition and modern sound.
In honor of Dolly Parton’s birthday and her lasting impact on music and culture, here are a few favorite tracks to bring into the studio:
9 to 5, 105 bpm, 2:45
Written and performed by Dolly Parton, “9 to 5“ captures the daily grind of working life and the frustration of being undervalued on the job. It became an anthem for resilience and empowerment, celebrating the determination it takes to keep showing up and pushing forward.
Driven by a steady rhythm and infectious momentum, this track is a natural choice for spin-ups or tempo work. Its forward drive and familiar hook make it easy for riders to lock into the cadence and stay engaged.
Jolene, 110 bpm, 2:43
Built on a relentless, pulsing rhythm, “Jolene“ works beautifully for spin-ups or tempo work. It could also be used as a heavy steady climb. The urgency of the song mirrors the physical demand, creating focus without overwhelm.
Here You Come Again, 106 bpm, 2:57
“Here You Come Again” is about the emotional pull of someone who keeps reappearing just when you’ve started to move on. Bright, upbeat, and rhythmically consistent, this track fits perfectly into a warm-up.
I Will Always Love You, 68 bpm, 2:55
This song was written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner, marking her decision to step out on her own. It’s a song about gratitude and letting go with love, not heartbreak. Years later, Whitney Houston’s iconic recording introduced it to a global audience while preserving its original meaning of strength and grace.
Best reserved for cool-downs or reflective moments, this song offers space to breathe and reset. A reminder that emotional connection can be just as powerful as physical effort.
There is also a remix that works well for higher-intensity riding: “I Will Always Love You (Hex Hector Radio Remix)” at 130 bpm and just under 5 minutes, making it a strong option for a hard climb.
Wrecking Ball, Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus, 120 bpm, 3:55
A reimagined version with real emotional weight. Best for a slow, seated climb or reflective strength work.
Two Doors Down, 98 bpm, 3:02
“Two Doors Down” is about choosing joy and connection instead of staying stuck in loneliness. The song celebrates stepping out of your own head, joining the party, and letting yourself feel better through music and community. Ideal for cadence builds or short intervals when you want joy, movement, and positive energy.
Please, Please, Please, Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton, 107 bpm, 3:04
In a playful, self-aware take on love, boundaries, and knowing your worth. The song strikes a balance between modern pop polish and Dolly’s grounded presence, fostering a conversation between generations about confidence and emotional clarity. Its steady 107 bpm groove makes it ideal for tempo work, where riders can settle into the high cadence, stay controlled, and let the rhythm carry the message forward.
Dolly Parton’s music creates connection, rhythm, and heart. Her songs support steady endurance, emotional release, and moments of pure joy, reminding riders that strength and kindness can coexist. If you’re looking for a similar vibe for an entire ride, Spotify’s Dolly Parton Radio is a great place to start.
A legendary songwriter. A cultural icon. And proof that authenticity never goes out of style.
We’d love to hear your favorite Dolly Parton tracks—please share them in the comments.