For Those Who Grew Up Country: 4 Dolly Parton Tracks That Feel Like Home

Dolly Parton often expresses immense pride in her humble beginnings in East Tennessee. Raised in a modest two-room cabin nestled in the Smoky Mountains, she grew up alongside her parents and eleven siblings. Despite the simplicity of her upbringing, Parton’s connection to her rural home remains strong and heartfelt. Here are four songs that beautifully reflect her love for her Appalachian roots.

“My Tennessee Mountain Home”

Released in 1972 as the title track of her eleventh studio album, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is a heartfelt tribute to Parton’s childhood. Written by Parton herself, the song captures the simple joys and peacefulness of life in the Smoky Mountains despite her family’s limited means.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture:

Sittin’ on the front porch on a summer afternoon / In a straight back chair on two legs leaned against the wall…

In an interview with National Geographic, Parton shared, “When I come here, it’s a feeling like nothing else. It has grown, as all things must. But the Smokies will never lose their charm and their magic.” This song is so beloved that it has been designated an official state song of Tennessee.

“Tennessee Homesick Blues”

From the 1984 film Rhinestone, “Tennessee Homesick Blues” was sung from the perspective of Parton’s character, Jake Farris, who struggles with homesickness while living in New York City. Though a movie soundtrack piece, the song clearly echoes Parton’s own deep affection for her home state.

The lyrics evoke a longing for simpler times and familiar comforts:

But I ain’t been home in I don’t know when / If I had it all to do over again / Tonight I’d sleep in my old feather bed / What I wouldn’t give for a little bitty taste / Of mama’s homemade chocolate cake…

While the film itself didn’t perform well, the song went on to become a number one hit for Parton.

“Backwoods Barbie”

“Backwoods Barbie,” the title track from Parton’s 2008 album—and her first independent release—celebrates her journey from a poor country girl to a successful artist. The song reflects on her modest beginnings while also highlighting her personal growth and achievements.

Parton sings:

I grew up poor and ragged, just a simple country girl / I wanted to be pretty more than anything in the world…

This track is a proud declaration of her roots and the dreams she nurtured from childhood.

“Coat of Many Colors”

Parton’s 1971 album’s title track, “Coat of Many Colors,” is an autobiographical ballad that embraces her impoverished upbringing with warmth and pride. Instead of shame, the song radiates love and gratitude for her mother’s care and the value of simple things.

The lyrics tell the story:

There were rags of many colors / But every piece was small / And I didn’t have a coat / And it was way down in the fall…

Her mother sewed a patchwork coat, pouring love into every stitch, creating a garment that became a symbol of pride rather than poverty.