Her First Record Deal

In 1965, Dolly Parton’s big break came when she signed with Monument Records, a pivotal moment that launched her professional career. At just 19, Dolly initially struggled to convince the label to focus on her country roots, as Monument saw her as a pop singer.

After several unsuccessful pop singles, Dolly finally got to showcase her country talent with “Dumb Blonde,” a song that climbed the charts and proved she was a force in the genre. This marked the turning point in her career, establishing her as a rising star and setting the stage for her future success.