We all know the Dolly Parton classics. "9 to 5," "Jolene," "Here You Come Again," the list can go on for days. Additionally, artists have endlessly covered her records; taking "Jolene" for a spin is like a rite of passage at this point. Obviously, you have to include Whitney Houston's timeless cover of Dolly's "I Will Always Love You" as well.
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However, what tends to go under the radar is her penmanship. Typically, Dolly would cut a record before anyone even had a chance to give a crack at it. Or she would make her own contributions to the record where she can share the driver's seat with the other artists. Consequently, we often overlook the great work she can do without taking the spotlight. But Parton has written for icons in her day, making firm imprints onto their legacies. Here are just a handful of them she has in her catalog.
Four Country Songs Dolly Parton Wrote for Other Artists
Merle Haggard- "Kentucky Gambler"
This one is compelling because Parton and Haggard essentially traded records with each other here. Technically, she recorded "Kentucky Gambler" first but Merle wanted in on the record. As a result, he cuts his version and it becomes a number one hit on the country charts. Dolly eventually includes her original on her 1975 album The Bargain Store anyway. But over the years, "Kentucky Gambler" is almost exclusively recognized as a Haggard hit.
Waylon Jennings- "Waltz Me to Heaven"
Initially, this was exclusively a family affair. Dolly wrote it for the 1984 film she starred in with Sylvester Stallone, Rhinestone. Her brother Lloyd Parton originally did the honors. However, Waylon Jennings couldn't resist putting his own spin on it, making it sound like any of her other timeless records. Anytime he croons over pedal steel and fiddles, he sounds right at home.
Emmylou Harris- "To Daddy"
Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton were seemingly inseparable. Parton would frequently lend her voice and harmonies to Harris, in addition to her writing. However, this record sees the "9 to 5" singer take a backseat to Emmylou's voice alone. It's easy to tell where Parton could fit in here, a testament to the chemistry they shared. Instead, we get to see her great writing on full display.
Hank Williams Jr.- "I'm in No Condition"
Once again, both Parton and Hank gave their spins on "I'm in No Condition." The former releases her version on her 1967 album Hello, I'm Dolly. Meanwhile, the latter cuts it for his album My Own Way in the same year. However, it's Hank's weariness and ragged demeanor that really makes his version sing. He delivers a sense of hopelessness that really fits his voice. It feels impossible that it wasn't his to begin with.
