Sigma Alpha Iota

8 Fall 2026 | sai-national.org S GRACENOTES Sigma Alpha Iota honors Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026 at the age of 80. She was initiated as an Honorary Member by the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter in 2011. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum considers Dolly Rebecca Parton "one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world." Born on January 19, 1946, on a farm in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of twelve children. Her official biography states, "[Her] hard rural life was the foundation of Dolly's career, as she began singing almost before she could talk, according to her father." She received her first guitar at the age of 8, was singing on local radio and television by age 10, and debuted on the Grand Ole Opry stage at 13. "I always wanted to be a star," Parton said. "It just seemed natural to me. Making music is all I've ever known." She signed her first record deal with Monument Records in 1965. Her debut studio album, Hello, I'm Dolly, garnered an invitation to join the Porter Wagoner Show, a musical variety program that helped launch her career. In 1969, she fulfilled a childhood dream and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry—an honor she cherished throughout her life. In 1971, Parton earned her first #1 single with "Joshua," a heartfelt story centered around kindness and the lesson that things aren't always as they appear. This solidified her as not only a gifted musician, but also a prolific storyteller. During this era, Parton released many of her now-classic singles, including "Coat of Many Colors," "I Will Always Love You," and "Jolene." "Here You Come Again," released in 1977, became her first platinum single. D O LLY P AR TO N An A m e ri ca n O ri g i na l Dolly Parton with then Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson at Parton's initiation in 2011.

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