6 Songs You May Not Realize Were Written by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is one of country music’s most beloved performers, but her influence extends far beyond the hits she recorded herself. Best known for classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” Parton has quietly built one of the most impressive songwriting catalogs in music history, penning more than 3,000 songs over the course of her remarkable career.

Many of those compositions became major hits for other artists, proving that Parton’s genius as a songwriter is every bit as extraordinary as her talent as a performer.

“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” by Bill Phillips

One of Dolly Parton’s earliest successes came with “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.”

Co-written with her uncle Bill Owens, the song was recorded by country singer Bill Phillips and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1966. The achievement marked one of Parton’s first major breakthroughs as a songwriter.

It opened the door to countless opportunities.

“Fuel to the Flame” by Skeeter Davis

Parton wrote “Fuel to the Flame” for country star Skeeter Davis.

Released in 1967, the song became a Top 20 country hit and further established Parton’s reputation in Nashville. At a time when female songwriters faced limited opportunities, her ability to craft songs for other performers proved invaluable.

Her songwriting talent was impossible to ignore.

“There’ll Always Be Music” by Tina Turner

Few fans realize that Dolly Parton wrote “There’ll Always Be Music,” which was recorded by Tina Turner.

The collaboration showcased Parton’s versatility and her ability to create songs that transcended traditional country boundaries. It demonstrated the broad appeal of her writing.

Her influence reached far beyond Nashville.

“Starting Over Again” by Donna Summer

Donna Summer and Bruce Sudano wrote “Starting Over Again,” which Dolly Parton recorded and released in 1980.

Parton’s emotional rendition became a major country hit, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart. The song’s story of a middle-aged couple separating was reportedly inspired by the divorce of Sudano’s parents.

Rather than demonstrating Parton’s songwriting, the track highlighted her ability to bring another songwriter’s deeply personal lyrics to life.

“Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” by Joe Sun

Before Dolly Parton recorded “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You,” Joe Sun released the song in 1978.

Written by Pebe Sebert and Hugh Moffatt, the track later became a major hit for Parton, whose 1980 version reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart.

Parton’s recording helped introduce the song to a wider audience and turned it into one of the best-known country ballads of the era.

“Rockin’ Years” by Ricky Van Shelton

“Rockin’ Years” was written by Dolly Parton’s brother, Floyd Parton, and later recorded as a duet by Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton.

Released in 1991, their recording reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart. Its lyrics focus on a couple promising to remain devoted to one another as they grow older.

The chart-topping duet became one of the best-known recordings of the song.

Why Dolly Parton’s Songwriting Legacy Matters

Parton’s success as a songwriter helped pave the way for generations of women in country music. At a time when opportunities were limited, she intentionally wrote songs that male artists could record, expanding her reach and building an extraordinary catalog.

Today, her compositions continue to inspire artists across genres. Whether sung by Dolly herself or by other performers, her songs have become an enduring part of American music history.

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