“Dolly Parton was first introduced to the Grand Ole Opry audience, and to the world, in 1959. Johnny Cash welcomed out ‘A little girl from East Tennessee,’ and 13-year-old Dolly took the stage. She performed George Jones’ ‘You Gotta Be My Baby’ and earned three encores that night — an early sign of what was to come. The crowds loved her from the first note. And they never stopped,”

Grand Ole Opry · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

The Opry posted a remembrance on its website recalling Dolly Parton's first Opry appearance in 1959 at age 13.