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Dolly Parton Goes 'Backwoods' on New Album

"Get Dolly Parton back on the radio!" country's original blond bombshell exclaims, sitting in her manager's Nashville office on a chilly March morning. Parton is back with her first new mainstream country music recordings in 17 years, and the legendary singer-songwriter is hoping country radio will take notice.

Her fans sure did. Parton's brand-new 'Backwoods Barbie' CD debuted at No. 2 on the country album charts, with her highest first-week sales in almost two decades. The album is the first on Parton's own label, Dolly Records, a venture she started after failing to get attention from the big leagues.

"They think I'm over the hill," Parton says of Nashville's major record labels. "But I don't believe that. My music is as young today as it was ever. And I always say, 'I may be as old as yesterday, but I'm as young as tomorrow, too!'"

Parton, long celebrated for her songwriting, offers fans a personal look into her life on 'Backwoods Barbie.' "That's my story," she says of its title track. "I've made jokes through the years about how I look ... It costs a lot to look this cheap!" she says, laughing.

The album's first single, 'Better Get to Livin'' might also be called 'Dolly's Theme.' It's a catchy, motivational track with a message about finding happiness by taking control of your life. "I call myself the 'Dolly Lama,' because people are always asking my advice," Parton jokes. "But I get down like everybody else, and I try not to wallow in it too long. I think people love to wallow in their misery and not try to make the changes necessary. So I think 'Better Get to Livin'' is a good inspiration for a lot of people."

Parton wrote nine of the album's 12 tracks and includes two covers fans might find surprising. She puts a country spin on the Fine Young Cannibals' 'Drives Me Crazy' and Smokey Robinson's classic 'Tracks of My Tears.'

Though currently sidelined by a back injury, Parton is keeping busy. She's writing all of the music for the upcoming Broadway version of her hit movie, '9 to 5.' And she says she can't wait to get back on the road to share her new music with the fans. "I'm a gypsy at heart," she says of touring. "I love being onstage ... I'm not faking that!"

Parton also keeps it real in our candid Q&A with the star, talking about everything from her famous goddaughter she calls a "little Elvis" to her famous physical assets she's been "wagging around" for years. Click here for the continued wisdom of the 'Dolly Lama.'

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hlauragirl69

hey guys Dolly Parton has been on of my fan since i was a teenage. And now im all grown up. And like to see her in concert someday maybe. That's just a wish full thinking right now. I love her song I WILL ALWAYS LOVE U.

March 22 2010 at 9:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeff

Dolly is the best.

November 17 2009 at 8:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Carol

Thanks Joe,
I've loved Dolly over the years. I saw the interview item on AOL and read further down to your input. I wasn't aware she had a new album until i saw the aol and your critique made me a buyer. i usually am , but if I don't know I can't buy.Not that I live under a rock, just busy and don't have time to keep up sith fan sites. Keep up the good work.I'm going to make the effort to catch her in concert again this time. Keep up the good work!

July 04 2009 at 6:21 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kara

Love, love, LOVE that woman! She's gorgeous, funny, talented... what CAN'T she do? I've got to meet her one day. I've jusr got to.

March 09 2009 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
C. Serrano

Great Report!

February 15 2009 at 7:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
erikpenland

I have loved Dolly since I was a kid watching her on TV. I am 38 now and when I was growing up I caught all kinda flack for listening to "country music" but now its the "in" thing. If I could have one dream fulfilled it would be to be able to spend some time with Dolly one on one and get to really know her. I have seen her many times at Dollywood and on TV, my wife and I have watched Steel Magnolias til we can recite it word for word, but anyway if I could have one wish in my life to come true it would be to be able to call Dolly Parton my FRIEND and to be able to say if with all honesty. She is so much like my wife that people accuse me of marrying my wife b/c she is so much like Dolly. Anyone who knows me KNOWS that Dolly hung the moon. I love you Dolly (but I love my wife more,sorry) but anyway keep on keeping on and I will keep watching and listening because you are a gift from God to this wretched world and your voice is like a song from heaven. I can only pray that one day my dream will come true before I die, but if it don't then I will be looking for you on the other side. God Bless you and ALL that you set your hands to. You are a role model for all men and women everywhere and YOU MUST know that you are truely loved by many. Just in case you read this Dolly or a friend of Dolly's my email is erikpenland@aol.com It really is and has been a life long dream to spend the day with Dolly Parton so if anyone can pull any strings I will send up a prayer for you. Thanks to all and God Bless Dolly Parton and may God continue to Bless the USA

February 13 2009 at 3:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tedrockledge

Hi Dolly, I am living in Rockledge, Fla. and Christmas season we went to Olando to see your Christmas Show. Fabulas! Then you sold the Whole Theater, Horses and all! Perfect timing, before the bottom fell out of the economy.
I don't blame you, better than losing the whole deal. Every one Loves You! Take care of your self.

Ted J.

January 11 2009 at 5:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jordan Ryan

I just envy her husband!

January 01 2009 at 1:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steven

I really love Dolly Parton, She is A shrewd business woman...Love going to Dollywood,have been going for years, and hopefully one day, I will get a glimpse of her...
Loved her book,,
and totally respect her, for coming from nothing and making something for herself..without having ANYTHING handed to her..,
Go Dolly,
Many more years , of health happiness and success

January 01 2009 at 1:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lisa googe

i love her music as parents of 3 autistic kids we love her theme park and the kingdom heirs are awesome and my daughter hope knows all her songs my son thinks shes so cool he loves the songs coat of many colors and jesus and gravity we play her tunes alot during winter or on way to autism speaking events

November 17 2008 at 9:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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