Dolly Parton is a global icon whose music defines “pure-hearted” romance. Whether it’s her unmistakable vibrato on a timeless ballad or her toe-tapping bluegrass energy, Dolly’s songs bring an authentic, soulful “home” feeling to any wedding. From the legendary songwriting of “I Will Always Love You” to her joyful duets, she offers a perfect blend of sentimental depth and high-spirited celebration.

Authentic Emotion: Lyrics that focus on simple, enduring love and spiritual commitment.
Genre-Crossing Appeal: Hits that resonate with classic country fans and pop lovers alike.
The “Dolly” Factor: Adds a touch of legendary Southern class and warmth to your soundtrack.

Soulful Ceremonies & Breathtaking Processionals

The Ultimate Vow: “I Will Always Love You.” While many know the Whitney version, Dolly’s original is softer and more intimate—perfect for a deeply personal bridal processional.
Spiritual Devotion: “From Here to the Moon and Back.” A stunningly beautiful ballad about the vastness of love; an elite choice for a ceremony or unity candle lighting.
Sentimental Storytelling: “Coat of Many Colors.” For a wedding focused on family and humble beginnings, this track adds a layer of beautiful, nostalgic storytelling to the prelude.
The “Angel” Entrance: “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” A song of hope and new beginnings that provides a majestic, airy atmosphere for a grand entrance.

Romantic First Dances & Slow Grooves

The Perfect Duet: “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers). The ultimate “feel-good” first dance. It’s mid-tempo, easy to shuffle to, and guaranteed to have guests singing along.
Deeply Devoted: “Say Forever You’ll Be Mine” (with Porter Wagoner). A classic country duet that is tailor-made for a traditional first dance centered on lifelong promises.
Pure Romance: “Together You and I.” A modern Dolly classic with a joyful beat and lyrics that celebrate a perfect partnership.
Sweet Simplicity: “Pure and Simple.” As the title suggests, this track is ideal for couples who want a short, sweet, and stripped-back slow dance.

High-Energy Reception & Party Starters

The “Work” Break: “9 to 5.” An absolute reception essential. It’s the perfect “ice-breaker” to get guests of all ages onto the dance floor immediately.
Bluegrass Energy: “Applejack.” For a rustic or barn wedding, this high-energy track brings a fun, “down-home” clogging vibe to the party.
The “Sassy” Choice: “Jolene.” While not a “love song,” it is a legendary floor-filler. Save this for the late-night set when the energy is high and everyone wants to belt out the chorus.
Tropical Celebration: “Two Doors Down.” A classic “party” song about moving on to better times—perfect for a high-energy reception transition.

DJ Expert Tips: Mixing the Queen of Country

Watch the Tempo: Dolly’s songs often feature bluegrass “breakdowns” where the speed increases. Warn the couple if they are planning a choreographed dance to her faster tracks!
The “Sing-Along” Bridge: Use “9 to 5” as a bridge between 80s Pop and Country. It has the same rhythmic drive as many disco tracks, making for a seamless transition.
Respect the Story: Dolly is a songwriter first. For the ballads, ensure the mid-range on your EQ is crisp so the guests can hear every word of her legendary storytelling.

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Dolly Parton’s Highest Charting Billboard Hits – US Country

#1 “Joshua”, 1970
#1 “Jolene”, 1973
#1 “I Will Always Love You”, 1974
#1 “Love Is Like a Butterfly”, 1974
#1 “The Bargain Store”, 1975
#1 “Here You Come Again”, 1977
#1 “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right”, 1978
#1 “Heartbreaker”, 1978
#1 “I Really Got the Feeling”, 1978
#1 “You’re the Only One”, 1979
#1 “Starting Over Again”, 1980
#1 “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You”, 1980
#1 “9 to 5”, 1980
#1 “But You Know I Love You”, 1981
#1 “I Will Always Love You”, 1982
#1 “Islands in the Stream” (Kenny Rogers duet with Dolly Parton), 1983
#1 “Tennessee Homesick Blues”, 1984
#1 “Real Love” (duet with Kenny Rogers), 1985
#1 “Think About Love”, 1985
#1 “To Know Him Is to Love Him” (with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt), 1987
#1 “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That”, 1989
#1 “Yellow Roses”, 1989
#1 “Rockin’ Years” (duet with Ricky Van Shelton), 1991
#1 “When I Get Where I’m Going” (Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton), 2005
#1 “Forever Country” (Artists of Then, Now & Forever), 2016
#2 “The Seeker”, 1975
#3 “Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)”, 1970
#3 “All I Can Do”, 1976
#3 “Save the Last Dance for Me”, 1983
#3 “Don’t Call It Love”, 1985
#3 “Telling Me Lies” (with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt), 1987

Wedding Songs

Pure and Simple
Released in 2016 on the album Pure & Simple

It’s so pure it’s almost sacred
Simply put, it feels divine
I just love you pure and simple

If you are going to use this song by Dolly Parton, give it the proper placement and make it a part of the formal ceremony. You can play it as the important guests at your wedding are being led to their seats.

From Here to the Moon and Back
Released in 2012 on the album Joyful Noise Soundtrack

Who else in this world will love you like that?
Love everlasting, I promise you that
From here to the moon and back

Every wedding reception playlist needs some fun dance tunes that say things in a simple way, and this Dolly song qualifies. It is just a fun way to let your new spouse know just how much you love and care about them, and it can be used in many ways.

Rockin’ Years
Released in 1991 on the album Eagle When She Flies

And if you hold me tight when you love me
That’s all I’ll ask of you
And I’ll stand by you through our rockin’ years

This duet with Ricky Van Shelton has become a classic thanks to its imagery of everlasting love and growing old together, two themes that all your wedding guests will appreciate. It should be given a place of honor on the wedding reception playlist, and don’t forget to encourage all your married guests to dance and sing along.

To Know Him Is To Love Him
Released in 1987 on the album Trio

When I’ll walk alongside of him
Yes, just to know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

Dolly Parton created a true musical moment when she performed this classic hit with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. Known as The Trio, these legendary stars sing about the affection a woman feels for the special man in her life.

Real Love
Released in 1985 on the album Real Love

I love you, real love, not an imitation
Real love, you’re my destination
Baby, you and me, we got everything we need

Dolly Parton had a string of duets with Kenny Rogers, and this was one of the biggest hits recorded by the pair of lifelong friends. The nice thing about these duets is that they include a male and female part, something that works well if you want to play them for a first dance.

Think About Love
Released in 1985 on the album Real Love

So when you think about love, think about me
I can give you more than you’ll ever need

Any discussion of Dolly Parton must include her songwriting skills, and they are on full display in this song from her Real Love album released in 1985. Dolly sings about love at first sight and how it can carry on throughout the years when given the proper care and attention, and these are suitable sentiments for your wedding day.

Romeo
Released in 1983 on the album Slow Dancing with the Moon

Every time we meet
I may not be in love
But let me tell you
I’m in heat

Dolly is joined by a host of stars on this recording, a fun and irreverent look at the female appreciation for manhood. You should think about adding it to the wedding reception as a special dedication to the groom, and you could also play it for a special dance by the groomsmen.

Islands in the Stream
Released in 1983 on the album Eyes That See in the Dark

Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other

This pop crossover was a hit duet for Dolly and Kenny Rogers in 2001, and it also became another songwriting hit for Barry Gibb. The song is about the way two people can be drawn to one another, and it is often used for the first dance between the couple at the wedding reception.

You Are
Released in 1977 on the album New Harvest… First Gathering

You are my inspiration
You are the song I sing
You are what makes me happy
You are my everything

This is a song from Dolly Parton’s early career, released to positive reviews in 1977. The lyrics of the song are like many others penned by Parton, and they speak in a simple way of the feelings that lovers share.

Here You Come Again
Released in 1977 on the album Here You Come Again

Here you come again
Lookin’ better than a body has a right to
An’ shakin’ me up so, that all I really know
Is here you come again an’ here I go

The person that you have chosen to spend your life with is the person who did not get away, and that is the message of this Top 10 hit for Dolly Parton. It is a fun song that is a little suggestive, so have it played at the wedding reception when everyone is having fun.

Say Forever You’ll Be Mine
Released in 1975 on the album Say Forever You’ll Be Mine

Darling, I won’t promise you
That we’ll be happy all the time
But forever I am yours, say forever you’ll be mine

Dolly Parton knows how to write a song, and that includes lyrics that fit perfectly into any wedding ceremony. You can use this Dolly hit as a part of the processional if you like, or play it before the unity candle is lit.

I Will Always Love You
Released in 1974 on the album Jolene

I wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love

Even though this Dolly Parton classic is technically about a break-up, some couples still like to have it played at their reception because of its declaration of eternal love. The song was covered by Whitney Houston with great success, but many couples prefer Dolly’s original version.

Love is Like a Butterfly
Released in 1974 on the album Love Is Like a Butterfly

Your touch is soft and gentle
Your kiss is warm and tender
Whenever I am with you I think of butterflies

There is a playful nature to this Dolly Parton classic, a song that receives a prominent spot in the singer’s live concerts. It is a song of innocence that serves up images of love that are pure and honest, just like the love you are celebrating on your wedding day.

My Eyes Can Only See You
Released in 1974 on the album Love Is Like a Butterfly

I want you so much and I long for your touch
And your eyes tell me you want me too
Oh, it may not be right, but I’m too weak to fight
And my eyes can only see you

Wedding ceremonies are about devotion to the person you have chosen as a soul mate, and this song will let everyone know that your heart has been forever taken. It is a song that was made for country and western dancing, so have the DJ spin it for all to enjoy at the reception.

Love With Me
Released in 1973 on the album Bubbling Over

Shelter your love in my castle of dreams
We’ll find in each other the love that we need
Won’t you come and love with me?

Parton recorded this song in 1973 while still performing with Porter Wagoner, and it has remained a favorite of her fans for many years. The song enjoys new life today as an addition to the wedding day playlists of modern country music fans.