Billboard is stating the obvious with their newly crowned “Greatest Country Artist of All Time,” but the results still managed to shock winner, Dolly Parton.
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“I just learned that Billboard Magazine just released their list of greatest country artists of all time, and they have my name sitting at the top! Can you believe that?” Parton shared enthusiastically in a video message responding to her new, official title.
The list was rolled out by the publication throughout the month of November with other honorees including Hank Williams Sr. (#5), Loretta Lynn (#4), Willie Nelson (#3), and Johnny Cash (#2).
Taken into consideration for Dolly’s top spot were her 25 Billboard #1s and 49 top 10 albums since the release of her debut, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967. Parton continues to keep the hits rolling in as she most recently hit #1 with her 2023 album, Rockstar.
“There’s never been anyone like her, and it’s impossible to believe that there ever will be again,” Billboard shared, honoring the icon. “An unparalleled combination of extraordinary talent, fierce ambition, an iconic ‘Country Barbie’ look and sheer goodness, Dolly Parton is one of the finest songwriters in country or any other genre.”