Name: Song Ideas
Brand: My Wedding Songs

Dolly Parton is loved all over the world for her catalog of popular music. Dolly Parton wedding songs are also preferred by couples young and old. In this profile of the music and film star, you will learn more about the songstress, her ballads, and the top Dolly Parton song choices for wedding playlists.

About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was born into a poor Tennessee family in 1946. She was raised in a one-room house with 11 siblings. The family would often sing together to pass the time. Eventually, Dolly emerged as a talented songwriter. At 13 she began to record songs and also appeared on the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash.

Dolly moved to Nashville after finishing high school. Her songwriting and singing skills were enough to land her a short-lived stint with country singer Porter Wagoner on Wagoner’s weekly country music variety show. Wagoner and Parton would split when Dolly chose to pursue her own path, a choice that Wagoner held against her for many years.

Today, Dolly Parton is known as the writer and singer of hits like “I Will Always Love You” and many others. She has also gained fame as an actress, with critically-acclaimed roles in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Many modern artists such as Miley Cyrus list Dolly as one of their primary musical influences.

Other female country song lists:

Top Dolly Parton Love Songs

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The career of Dolly Parton has included many romantic ballads and love songs that are appropriate for weddings. Parton also has recorded many Christian songs that appeal to couples who want to have a traditional wedding ceremony. The following tunes represent our picks for the top Dolly Parton wedding songs.

Pure and Simple
2016, 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
2012, 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
1991, 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
1987, 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
1985, 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
1985, 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
1983, 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
1983, 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
1977, 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
1977, 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
1975, 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
1974, 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
1974, 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
1974, 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
1973, 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.