Grand Ole Opry

“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.

“It’s hard to put into words what Dolly Parton meant to the world — and to the Grand Ole Opry. The legacy she leaves, and the lessons she taught us, have made an indelible mark. Her music revealed a profound belief in the goodness of others and a witty, fiery insistence on remaining true to herself. Dolly had a gift for turning her personal stories into songs that belonged to everyone, leaving us a little wiser, a little kinder, and a lot more willing to be ourselves.”

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

The Opry reflected on Dolly Parton's legacy and the indelible mark she left on the world and the Opry in a statement on its website.