Dolly Parton Celebrates 50 Years As Grand Ole Opry Member

Dolly Parton has had a long, illustrious career, but if you ask her one of the highlights of her "whole life" was when she became a Grand Ole Opry member 50 years ago.

On Saturday (October 12), the country icon celebrated the milestone with two sold-out shows at the legendary Nashville venue, and reflected on her journey during a press conference before her performances.

“That was always my dream and my daddy loved the Grand Ole Opry, so we’d listen to it back home [with] me dreaming of being on it,” she recalled. “The night that I actually became a member 50 years ago was one of the highlights of my whole life because it was a true dream of mine… You never know what's going to happen to you in your life. You never know if your dreams will come true. And if they do, you wonder how people will remember you when you're older. I'm older and I'm seeing how people remember me and that makes me feel very humble and I'm just very honored that I'm still around.”

The 73-year-old continued to stay humble as she acknowledged the success she's had in her career. “I have been so fortunate to see so many of my dreams come true and I don't take any of it for granted,” she told Billboard. “As I often say, I count my blessings a lot more than I count my money.”

“I have so many memories, even as a child, watching the people backstage and standing out there on that stage where all the great people stood, thinking maybe someday I can be part of it,” she continued. “Now that I've been fortunate enough to see that dream come true, I wonder if some little kid might be saying, ‘I bet Dolly Parton stood right here’ when I used to think, ‘I’m standing where Kitty Wells stood.’ So that’s what makes you thankful, that’s what makes you grateful. It’s really a humbling experience.”

Photo: Getty Images


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