15 Famous Songs People Didn’t Know Was Written By Dolly Parton

She sure wasn’t just workin’ 9 to 5—Dolly Parton was busy writing hit after hit, even for other artists. In this list, we’re shining a spotlight on songs you probably didn’t know she penned. From “Dagger Through the Heart” to “Not Enough” and “Waltz Me to Heaven,” these hidden gems show just how far her songwriting magic goes. Did any of these Dolly-penned tunes catch you off guard?

15. “Get Out and Stay Out” (2009) by Stephanie J. Block
Dolly Parton’s talents go way beyond singing and songwriting—she also brought her magic to Broadway. For the 2009 9 to 5: The Musical, inspired by the hit film she starred in, Parton wrote every song herself. One standout track is “Get Out and Stay Out,” a powerful anthem belted by Stephanie J. Block in the original production. Two years later, Dolly recorded her own version for her Better Day album. Whether you hear it on stage or from Dolly herself, it’s a goosebump-worthy moment every time.

14. “Kentucky Gambler” (1974) by Merle Haggard & the Strangers
We’re not betting people, but we’d wager most folks don’t know Dolly Parton wrote “Kentucky Gambler,” the 1974 chart-topper by Merle Haggard & the Strangers. With Haggard’s version hitting first, it’s easy to assume he wrote it—but it was actually Dolly behind the lyrics. True to her storytelling style, the song follows a man who risks it all and ends up losing what matters most. Dolly later recorded her own version in 1975 for her album The Bargain Store, and it’s just as moving as Haggard’s hit.

13. “Waltz Me to Heaven” (1984) by Waylon Jennings
Dolly Parton has written so many gems, there’s just no way she could sing them all—though we kind of wish she would! One standout is “Waltz Me to Heaven,” which Waylon Jennings released as a single in 1984 on Waylon’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 2. If the title rings a bell for movie fans, that’s because it was also featured in the Rhinestone soundtrack. While Dolly starred in the film, it was actually her brother Floyd Parton who lent his voice to the beautiful ballad on screen.

12. “The Company You Keep” (1966) by Bill Phillips
Back in the ‘60s, both Dolly Parton and Bill Phillips released versions of “The Company You Keep.” But here’s the key detail: Dolly co-wrote it with her uncle, Bill Owens. Her signature storytelling is woven into every line, giving the tune that unmistakable Parton charm. As the lyrics remind us, “you’re known by the company you keep”—and honestly, being linked to a Dolly Parton song is some pretty impressive company. No matter which version you spin, it’s clear this one’s got her heart and talent all over it.

11. “I’m In No Condition” (1967) by Hank Williams Jr.
“I’m In No Condition” first appeared on Dolly Parton’s 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly, but it later found new life thanks to Hank Williams Jr. Known for his rowdy Southern rock anthems, Williams took a softer turn with this emotional ballad. The line “I’m in no condition to try to love again” hits hard, capturing that post-breakup heartbreak Dolly writes so well. It’s a raw, vulnerable moment that feels tailor-made for Hank’s gritty voice. Once you hear his version, you might think the song was written just for him.

10. “Fuel to the Flame” (1967) by Skeeter Davis
Before Dolly Parton became a superstar, she was making waves as a songwriter in Nashville. One early piece was “Fuel to the Flame,” co-written with her uncle Bill Owens. It’s a heartfelt ballad about falling hard for someone and not knowing if they feel the same. Country star Skeeter Davis recorded the song in 1967, and it became her first big hit in two years, landing in the top ten. Davis, a trailblazer herself, was a major influence on Dolly—and this track helped boost both of their careers in a big way.

9. “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” (1966) by Bill Phillips
One of Dolly Parton’s early songwriting wins came with “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” recorded by country singer Bill Phillips in 1966. The song turned out to be Phillips’ biggest hit, climbing to number six on the country charts. Fun fact: Dolly herself sings uncredited background vocals on the track. The success of this song helped get her noticed by Monument Records, leading to her own recording deal. It wasn’t the last time she wrote for Phillips either—just more proof of Dolly’s incredible gift for writing heartfelt country classics.

8. “Not Enough” (2012) by Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton may be country royalty, but her songwriting talent knows no bounds. She’s written for all kinds of film soundtracks, including 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. In 2012, she starred alongside Queen Latifah in the movie musical Joyful Noise, which was packed with gospel-inspired tracks. While composer Mervyn Warren handled most of the music, Dolly added three of her own songs. One standout is the energetic opener “Not Enough,” performed by Dolly and Latifah. It’s a foot-stomping gospel number that kicks off the film with power and spirit.

7. “Rainbowland” (2017) by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has come a long way since her Disney days, and her godmother Dolly Parton has been cheering her on the whole time. The two even teamed up on Miley’s 2017 album Younger Now to co-write and record “Rainbowland.” The song’s name comes from Miley’s rainbow-painted home studio, where the album came together. The tune itself is upbeat and full of heart, delivering a sweet message about kindness, unity, and dreaming of a better world. As Dolly put it, “It’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better.”

6. “To Daddy” (1977) by Emmylou Harris
Country music loves a good story-song, and “To Daddy” is one of Dolly Parton’s most powerful. Told through the eyes of a child, it shares the quiet heartbreak of a devoted wife and mother who’s taken for granted. She never complains, but once the kids are grown, she leaves—leaving only a letter that stuns her husband. Emmylou Harris recorded the song in 1977, and her soft, tender delivery helped it reach No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. The gentle tone contrasts beautifully with Dolly’s quietly devastating lyrics.

5. “Circle of Love” (2016) by Jennifer Nettles
“Circle of Love” was written by Dolly Parton for the 2016 holiday TV movie Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, which tells a heartfelt story from Dolly’s childhood in the Smoky Mountains. It’s about a family facing hard times but holding strong through love and faith. Jennifer Nettles, who played Dolly’s mother in the film, recorded the song for her own Christmas album that same year. With its sweet waltz tempo and touching lyrics, it’s a warm and simple reminder of what the season’s really about.

4. “Dagger Through the Heart” (2003) by Sinéad O’Connor
While many Dolly songs were written specifically for others, some standout covers deserve attention too. One example is Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting take on “Dagger Through the Heart,” featured on the 2003 tribute album Just Because I’m a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton. O’Connor brought a raw intensity to the track, drawn to what she called the “anger of the lyric.” After recording it, she was moved to hear that Dolly had been inspired by the emotional power of O’Connor’s own “Nothing Compares 2 U” video. It was a tribute that came full circle.

3. “The Stranger” (1984) by Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers’ 1984 album What About Me? includes a powerful Dolly Parton-penned ballad called “The Stranger.” True to her storytelling roots, Dolly flips the script with this emotional track—told from a son’s point of view. It’s a heavy moment: the son finally meets the father who abandoned him, but it’s far too late for redemption. The pain and resentment are clear, especially as he recalls the struggles his mother endured alone. Just a month later, Rogers and Parton would release their festive Christmas album—proof that Dolly can deliver heartache and holiday cheer with equal grace.

2. “There’ll Always Be Music” (1974) by Tina Turner
Before she fully embraced her rock royalty status, Tina Turner dipped her toes into country with her first solo album, Tina Turns the Country On! Released in 1974, the project featured songs by legends like Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and Dolly Parton. Dolly’s contribution, “There’ll Always Be Music,” was a heartfelt piano ballad that gave Tina the perfect chance to show off her powerful, soulful voice. The album didn’t make a splash on the charts, but it still earned Tina a Grammy nod for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

1. “I Will Always Love You” (1992) by Whitney Houston
It’s wild to think one of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits is often mistaken for someone else’s song—but that’s exactly what happened with “I Will Always Love You.” Originally written and recorded by Dolly in 1974, it was a huge country hit. But when Whitney Houston reimagined it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992, the song took on a whole new life. Whitney’s powerhouse version topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 straight weeks, shattered sales records, and became a global anthem. Dolly wrote the classic, but Whitney’s voice made it legendary.