DOLLY PARTON NAMED AMONG TIME MAGAZINE’S “TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS OF 2025”
New York, NY — It’s official: Dolly Parton, the beloved Queen of Country, has once again proven that her influence reaches far beyond music. TIME Magazine has named the 79-year-old icon among its Top 100 Most Influential Artists of 2025, honoring not only her timeless artistry but also her boundless compassion, philanthropy, and humanity.
In its feature, TIME praised Parton as “a living bridge between art and empathy — a woman whose voice heals as powerfully as her actions do.” The recognition celebrates a lifetime of giving, creativity, and unwavering authenticity — qualities that have made Dolly one of the most admired and respected figures in modern history.
From her earliest days in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to her reign as one of the most recognized entertainers in the world, Dolly Parton has used her platform to lift others. Her philanthropic efforts span education, healthcare, and humanitarian relief — including her Imagination Library, which has provided over 230 million free books to children around the globe, and her ongoing support for medical research, which famously helped fund the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Her compassion also extends to rebuilding lives. Dolly’s My People Fund, established after devastating wildfires struck her home region of East Tennessee, provided housing and financial assistance to hundreds of displaced families. More recently, she has expanded her charitable work through a foundation supporting female songwriters, giving a voice to the next generation of women in music.
Despite her global fame, Dolly remains grounded in humility and humor — two traits that have defined her for more than six decades. “You don’t have to be rich to give,” she told TIME. “You just have to care enough to try.”
In the past year, Dolly has continued to evolve artistically as well. Her latest project, “Rockstar Revisited,” a reimagined and deeply personal follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 album Rockstar, blends country storytelling with rock ’n’ roll grit, featuring collaborations with both veteran legends and rising stars. Critics have hailed the album as proof that Dolly’s creative fire still burns as brightly as ever.
At 79, Dolly Parton remains as unstoppable as she is inspiring. Whether she’s penning new songs, funding scholarships, or championing literacy, her legacy continues to grow — not only as a performer but as a humanitarian who reminds the world that kindness is the truest form of greatness.
From a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, to global stages and now the pages of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Artists, Dolly Parton’s journey is a living testament to the power of faith, hard work, and heart.
As TIME concluded in its profile, “Dolly Parton doesn’t just sing about love and light — she lives it. And in doing so, she continues to show us the best of what humanity can be.”