Happy 70th birthday, Dolly Parton!

Todd Leopold
By Todd Leopold, CNN
1 minute read
Published 11:03 AM EST, Tue January 19, 2016
Dolly Parton turns 70 on Tuesday, January 19. The performer has had a storied singing career, both as a solo artist and in duets and groups. In fact, she essentially broke through to large audiences with Porter Wagoner, right, who gave her airtime on his TV program and recorded several duets with her. Parton wrote one of her most popular songs, "I Will Always Love You," about Wagoner. Click through the gallery for more of Parton's partners.
Dolly Parton turns 70 on Tuesday, January 19. The performer has had a storied singing career, both as a solo artist and in duets and groups. In fact, she essentially broke through to large audiences with Porter Wagoner, right, who gave her airtime on his TV program and recorded several duets with her. Parton wrote one of her most popular songs, "I Will Always Love You," about Wagoner. Click through the gallery for more of Parton's partners.
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Parton and Kenny Rogers recorded several duets together. The first was perhaps the biggest: "Islands in the Stream." The song hit No. 1 in 1983 and topped a Country Music Television poll on duets in 2005.
Parton and Kenny Rogers recorded several duets together. The first was perhaps the biggest: "Islands in the Stream." The song hit No. 1 in 1983 and topped a Country Music Television poll on duets in 2005.
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Willie Nelson has sung duets with just about everybody -- including Parton. The two performed "Everything's Beautiful (In Its Own Way)" in 1982.
Willie Nelson has sung duets with just about everybody -- including Parton. The two performed "Everything's Beautiful (In Its Own Way)" in 1982.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Parton teamed up with Linda Ronstadt, left, and Emmylou Harris to form a powerhouse trio in 1987. The album they recorded, "Trio," sold more than 4 million copies. A second "Trio" album was released in 1999.
Parton teamed up with Linda Ronstadt, left, and Emmylou Harris to form a powerhouse trio in 1987. The album they recorded, "Trio," sold more than 4 million copies. A second "Trio" album was released in 1999.
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Parton has had some unexpected partners. In 1984, she co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in the movie "Rhinestone." She plays a country singer who has to teach a cab driver to go country in two weeks. The two did a duet on the song "Sweet Lovin' Friends."
Parton has had some unexpected partners. In 1984, she co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in the movie "Rhinestone." She plays a country singer who has to teach a cab driver to go country in two weeks. The two did a duet on the song "Sweet Lovin' Friends."
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Parton had teamed with Burt Reynolds two years earlier. In "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," based on the hit stage musical, Parton played a madam and Reynolds played a small-town sheriff. The pair duetted on "Sneakin' Around."
Parton had teamed with Burt Reynolds two years earlier. In "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," based on the hit stage musical, Parton played a madam and Reynolds played a small-town sheriff. The pair duetted on "Sneakin' Around."
Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
Billy Ray Cyrus may be best known for "Achy Breaky Heart" (and as Miley's dad), but to Dolly fans, he's the guy who sang with her on "Romeo" in 1993.
Billy Ray Cyrus may be best known for "Achy Breaky Heart" (and as Miley's dad), but to Dolly fans, he's the guy who sang with her on "Romeo" in 1993.
In country music, you can't get much bigger than Dolly, Loretta Lynn, left, and Tammy Wynette. The three combined for the group Honky Tonk Angels in 1993. Their album hit the country top 10 and produced the much-played "Silver Threads and Golden Needles."
In country music, you can't get much bigger than Dolly, Loretta Lynn, left, and Tammy Wynette. The three combined for the group Honky Tonk Angels in 1993. Their album hit the country top 10 and produced the much-played "Silver Threads and Golden Needles."
Beth Gwinn/Redferns/Getty Images
Dolly Parton shares the stage
CNN  — 

Dolly Parton, the little girl from Sevier County, Tennessee, has long since succeeded beyond her wildest dreams.

She’s an award-winning songwriter. A best-selling author. A theme-park mogul. A charitable powerhouse. A beloved entertainer.

Oh, and she can sing a little bit, too.

In fact, she’s always been able to sing, whether it was on local radio, on Porter Wagoner’s country showcase, in movie musicals or on sellout concert tours.

Her amazing voice – as pure as the proverbial mountain stream – is so true that Auto-Tune hides in embarrassment when it hears Dolly. (Many of her singing partners should count themselves lucky.)

Today, Dolly turns 70. Someone who brings so much joy should have some of that joy returned.

So happy birthday, Dolly Parton! May you always shine so brightly.