AUDIO: Dolly Parton’s Classic Fresh Air Interview 23JAN2001

 

Dolly Parton’s Classic Fresh Air Interview (2001)

Mar 1, 2024 Fresh Air

The great Dolly Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026. More than 20 years earlier, she gave Terry Gross one of Fresh Air's classic interviews. The country superstar talked about growing up in rural poverty with 11 siblings, finding her signature look, and writing "I Will Always Love You." Dolly Parton made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959. In the decades after, she wrote thousands of songs, including the hits "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You." And she had hits on both the country and pop charts. Parton wrote her autobiography "My Life and Other Unfinished Business" in 1994. This interview originally aired January 23, 2001

PART 1: Dolly Parton, Superstar Whose Songs Spoke to Millions, Dies at 80 25AUG26

PART 2: Dolly Parton, Superstar Whose Songs Spoke to Millions, Dies at 80 25AUG26