She’s written more than 3,000 songs, earned countless awards, and been crowned the Queen of Country — but even Dolly Parton has a few tunes she wishes bore her name in the songwriting credits.
Now, with the release of her boldest album yet, Rockstar, Dolly is finally getting her chance to breathe life into those songs in a way only she can.
From powerhouse ballads to classic rock anthems, Dolly has handpicked five iconic tracks she says she’s always admired — songs that tug at her heartstrings, challenge her as a vocalist, and, in her words, “feel like they came from my soul… even if someone else wrote them first.”
1. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus
First on the list? Her goddaughter’s unforgettable hit, Wrecking Ball.
Dolly admits that Miley’s emotional delivery first brought her to tears — and covering it was “like stepping into her world and feeling every shattered piece.” On Rockstar, Dolly gives the song a raw, stripped-down treatment that’s heartbreakingly beautiful and hauntingly honest.
“I’ve known Miley since she was a baby,” Dolly said. “But this song showed me a grown woman’s pain. I just had to sing it.”
2. “Open Arms” – Journey (Now a Dream Duet with Steve Perry)
This one’s a true full-circle moment.
Dolly confesses she’s long been obsessed with Open Arms, Journey’s epic love anthem. But instead of just covering it solo, she went straight to the source — teaming up with Steve Perry himself for a duet that soars with nostalgia and new emotion. Their voices blend seamlessly, proving that great songs never grow old, they just get better with time.
“I never thought I’d be harmonizing with Steve Perry,” Dolly laughed. “That man can still sing circles around most of us.”
3. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
Dolly cranks up the sass on this classic Stones hit — turning rock swagger into Southern grit.
It’s one of the more unexpected choices on the album, but she makes it her own with a bluesy twist and a few lyrical tweaks that only Dolly could pull off. “I love songs with attitude,” she says, “and honey, this one’s got plenty.”
4. “Purple Rain” – Prince
A deeply spiritual performance, Dolly’s rendition of Purple Rain is less about flash and more about reverence.
She said recording it was an emotional experience: “Prince was one of the greatest to ever do it. I didn’t want to imitate him — I wanted to honor him.” The track features gospel-inspired backing vocals and a soaring final chorus that would make The Purple One proud.
5. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin
Yes — she went there.
Dolly wraps up her dream setlist with a stunning, cinematic take on Zeppelin’s most iconic ballad. With full orchestration, a whispery intro, and a final build that shakes the soul, it’s a reminder that Dolly Parton doesn’t just cover songs — she transforms them.
“It’s like stepping into a cathedral when you sing that song,” she explained. “It demands everything you’ve got.”
A Rockstar’s Heart, a Songwriter’s Soul
Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album isn’t just a tribute to her favorite songs — it’s a love letter to music itself. For fans, it’s a chance to hear timeless tracks through a new lens. For Dolly, it’s personal.
“These are the songs I wish I’d written,” she said. “But now, I get to sing them like I did.”
And with a voice as unmistakable as hers, you just might believe she did.
