Dolly Parton's Most Cherished Song Would Never Be on the Radio
It’s easy to overlook how much the world has changed thanks to Dolly Parton, especially when one of her most cherished songs never received radio play due to its story. Parton has long been a beacon for women’s voices in music and beyond. Yet, in today’s context, it’s simple to forget the challenges she faced to become the Queen of Country.
Despite having around 3,000 songs in her repertoire, Parton doesn’t always choose her biggest hits as her favorites. Her deepest connection to a song comes from those she poured her heart and soul into—those she cherished as if they were her own children.
In the social climate of the 1970s, creating music that reflected the real struggles of women was far more difficult than it should have been. The song “Down from Dover,” released on Parton’s 1970 album The Fairest of Them All, stands as a prime example. The irony is that it received one of the most unfair treatments imaginable.
It simply goes to show how much women’s narratives were eschewed and dismissed at the time, however, given that the heartbreaking story of ‘Down from Dover’ was never given the time of day.
The song’s story, which reflected the harsh realities of women’s lives, was overlooked by radio stations, highlighting the era’s resistance to honest female perspectives.
Author’s summary: Dolly Parton’s most cherished song, “Down from Dover,” remains a powerful testament to the struggles women faced in the music industry and society, despite never receiving the recognition it deserved.