Owepar Records on Friday, May 16, 2025, released a new compilation by Dolly's uncle Bill Owens titled Dreams Do Come True featuring nine previously unreleased recordings. The album includes three previously released tracks, among them a duet with Dolly on the title track. Dolly recorded a solo version of "Dreams Do Come True" on her 1991 album, Eagle When She Flies. The compilation also features Bill performing "Put It Off Until Tomorrow", the song that launched Bill and Dolly's songwriting careers, and an alternate recording of "My Mind Has Been Cheating on You", a song Bill released on his c. 1990 album, Dreams Do Come True. The album spotlights Bill's talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. It is available now from all digital retailers. ​

There have also been some updates to The Owens-Parton Family Discography section of the website. Newly discovered 8-tracks by Bill Owens and then-wife Kathy have been added to Bill's discography. The albums, Bill and Kathy Owens Sing Our Favorite Songs and The Smokey Mountain Music Barn Live Gospel Show, were both released on 8-track shortly after Bill opened Bill Owens' Smoky Mountain Music Barn in 1979 and were likely only ever sold at the venue. Bill and Kathy Owens Sing Our Favorite Songs is studio album featuring covers of country hits such as "Take This Job and Shove It" and "Blue Bayou", while The Smokey Mountain Music Barn Live Gospel Show is a live album featuring performances of gospel classics such as "Singing His Praise" (written by Bill's father Rev. Jake R. Owens) and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".

An exciting new addition to Randy Parton's discography is The Best of Randy Parton, a compilation album released on cassette around 1992. The album features some of Randy's best performances from his previous releases alongside two new tracks, "You're My Everything" and "Dollywood Lights". The latter was written by Randy with his wife Deb as a gift for Dolly. Randy regularly featured the song in his live shows at the park. Give it a listen below!

Be sure to check The Dolly Parton Discography and The Owens-Parton Family Discography regularly for updates on newly discovered releases from this family's rich musical legacy!

Dolly on Friday, May 2, 2025, released a new compilation album though her Butterfly Records label titled The Dollywood Collection: Celebrating 40 Years of Music & Memories. Its release coincides with Dollywood's fortieth operating season. The album is comprised of 10 songs Dolly wrote and recorded for the park and related Dollywood attractions over the years. The oldest track dates to 2003 with the newest track from 2024.

"Color Me America" was written by Dolly on September 12, 2001, following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11. She premiered the song live in December 2001. Dolly originally stated that she would only perform the song live and not release it commercially because she didn't want to be seen as trying to profit off the tragedy of 9/11. She later added the song as the finale of the Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction in June 2003 before finally releasing a studio version on For God and Country in November 2003, along with a promotional video. The For God & Country album version is included on The Dollywood Collection, although the post-song narration has been omitted.

"Red, White, and Bluegrass" borrows its title from an event that took place at Dollywood for a few seasons beginning in June 2002. One weekend of the Summer Fun Series was called Red, White, and Bluegrass Blast, which may have been the inspiration for the song. The title was also to be used for a planned benefit concert for the 9/11 terrorist attack victims, planned for New Year's Eve 2001, but later delayed to May 2002 due to a bomb threat. Dolly recorded the song for her 2003 album, For God and Country, in November 2003. The For God & Country album version is included on The Dollywood Collection, although the post-song narration has been omitted.

Dolly wrote "Celebrate the Dreamer in You" to commemorate Dollywood's 25th season in 2010. Several mixes of the song have been used or released since then. Its first "official" release was in April 2010 when the complete original studio version was used in Dollywood's "Memories Photo Album" video that the park played at Dolly's media appearance on season pass holders' preview day. This version features a short intro and backing vocals not present on later versions of the song. This version has never been released for download or purchase. ​Dolly performed the song during the taping of the Hallmark Channel television special Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood in June 2010. Following the special's broadcast in July 2010, Hallmark Channel offered a free download of this live performance of the song from their website and Facebook page. When the audiobook was released for Dolly's 2012 inspirational book Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You, a new studio version of the song was included. This version omits the song's intro and some of the backing vocals. The song was released as a digital single in December 2024. This release is the third studio version and fourth overall version of the song. The instrumental is different and it features no background vocals at all. The 2012 version is included on The Dollywood Collection.

Dolly recorded "Always Choose to Be Nice" for the Imagination Playhouse production of Ladybug Girl in 2011. The show opened during Kids Fest in June 2011. The song was later included on the track listing for the 2015 version of Dolly's children's album, I Believe in You. This version of the album was never sold commercially and was only available at Imagination Library conferences in 2015. The song's inclusion on The Dollywood Collection marks its first commercial release.

"Sail Away" and "Pirates Paradise" are from the Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage dinner attraction. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina location opened in June 2011, while the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee location opened in June 2019. Dolly performed "Pirates Paradise" at the opening of the Myrtle Beach location and it plays as guests exit after the show, while "Sail Away" is featured in the show with a video of Dolly dressed as a mermaid against a CGI backdrop. Both songs received their first commercial release on The Dollywood Collection.

"The Sky Is Not the Limit (Country Bluegrass Version)" was written in 2012 for the opening of the Wild Eagle rollercoaster at Dollywood. That March the park posted three versions of the song on their Facebook page (ballad, country/bluegrass, and full orchestration), asking users to pick which they liked best for the ride's official theme song. The full orchestration version won and is played periodically through speakers in the ride's queue. Dolly performed the song at the coaster's grand opening on March 23 with the Knoxville Children's Choir and Dollywood singers. The country/bluegrass version is included on The Dollywood Collection, marking the song's first official release.

"The Magic of Being Together" was written for Dollywood's production of A Christmas Carol that premiered in 2013. The song was later included in the 2016 NBC TV movie, Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. No soundtrack was released at the time, so its release on The Dollywood Collection marks its first commercial release.

Dolly Parton's Stampede premiered "The Ride" in July 2022. The song was featured in a new segment added to celebrate the attraction's 35th anniversary. While the song plays, the riders enter on the back of "wild horses" before flying into the air over the arena. The song's release on The Dollywood Collection marks its first commercial release.

"Love Is Like a Butterfly (Orchestrated Version)" was premiered in May 2024 for a new segment of Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction titled Butterfly Dreams. The segment features the show's equine stars adorned with whimsical butterfly wings in spectacular choreographed formations and performers soaring high above the arena floor. This new take on Dolly's 1974 number one single makes its commercial debut on The Dollywood Collection.

The Dollywood Collection: Celebrating 40 Years of Music & Memories is available now from all digital retailers and streaming services.

Track listing:

1. The Sky Is Not the Limit (Country Bluegrass Version) (Dolly Parton) 2:20
2. Love Is Like a Butterfly (Orchestrated Version) (Dolly Parton) 5:53
3. Always Choose to Be Nice (Brian Hull, Tom McBryde) 1:47
4. Sail Away (Dolly Parton) 3:23
5. The Ride (Dolly Parton) 5:18
6. Pirates Paradise (Dolly Parton) 3:15
7. Celebrate the Dreamer in You (Dolly Parton) 2:47
8. The Magic of Being Together (Dolly Parton) 2:34
9. Red, White, and Bluegrass (Dolly Parton) 3:18
10. Color Me America (Dolly Parton) 3:11

Owepar Records released the next album in their ongoing Legacy Series on Friday, April 4, 2025. The Songwriter, the Singer is a collection of songs written by Floyd Parton, Dolly's youngest brother. The album gives listeners the chance to hear Floyd's unique voice and appreciate his songwriting. Best known among Dolly fans for writing her number one song "Rockin' Years", Floyd's raw talent and storytelling genius are on full display with this collection. Highlights on the album include "Avie Caroline", "Old Time Lovers", and "Radio Man". The record also includes Floyd's versions of "Rockin' Years" and "Tennessee Born" (recorded by brother Randy Parton in 1975), his original solo version of "Foolin' Around" (which became a duet with Dolly for Smoky Mountain DNA), and "Waltz Me to Heaven" (written by Dolly and recorded by Floyd for the Rhinestone soundtrack). Many of the songs included were originally recorded as a private collection for the Owens-Parton family. The album serves as a heartfelt tribute to honor Floyd's memory and legacy.

Floyd isn't the only Parton with a "new" album released recently. Columbia Records on February 28 reissued digitally for the first time Light Up the Night, the 1984 album by Rachel Parton George (Rachel Dennison at the time). The album was produced by David Wolfert and originally released in October 1984. It is a great '80s country album. Highlights include the title track, "Fragile" (written by Randy and Floyd), and "Slow Rock and Roll".

Both albums are available now from all digital music retailers and streaming platforms!

Since Dollywood opened for its first season in 1986, the park has been a place for Dolly and her fans to make memories and enjoy her music. Throughout the years Dolly has written songs for the museum, children's shows, new attractions, and more. As Dollywood opens this weekend for its 40th season, let's take a look back at a few of the songs Dolly has written for the park. Read about the songs below and check them out in the video above! 

Chasing Rainbows (2002)

• Written by Dolly in 2002 for the opening of the Chasing Rainbows museum at Dollywood, she performed the song at the museum opening and sang a chorus of it at the end of the museum tour DVD after she gives a personal tour of the museum.

I Believe in You (2005)

• Written by Dolly in 2005 for the Imagination Library Playhouse production of The Little Engine That Could. She included the song as the title track of her first children's album in 2017.

Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke EP highlights (2009)

• "My Mountains, My Home" and "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!"
  • Written by Dolly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. "My Mountains, My Home" has been performed by Dolly many times since it was written, notably she performed it during the Sha-Kon-O-Hey! show at the park in 2009 and during the Smoky Mountains Rise telethon in 2016. The "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! performance in the video above is taken from the 2010 Hallmark special, Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood. Both songs are included on the Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke extended play.

Celebrate the Dreamer in You (2010)

• Written by Dolly to commemorate Dollywood's 25th anniversary in 2010. Dolly performed the song on the Hallmark channel special, Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood. Studio versions were released in 2012 and 2024.

The Sky Is Not the Limit (2012)

• Written by Dolly for the opening of the Wild Eagle rollercoaster at Dollywood in 2012. Dolly performed the song at the grand opening and the studio version can be heard over the speakers when entering the attraction.

Uncle Billy (2013)

• Written by Dolly to honor her uncle Bill Owens. A video of Dolly singing the song played in the Bill Owens section of the Chasing Rainbows museum at Dollywood from 2013 until its closing in 2023. I have remastered the audio in the video above.

Paint Your Dreams Across the Sky (2013)

• Written by Dolly in 2013 for the Great American Summer festival fireworks show titled Dolly's Nights of Many Colors.

My People cast album (2013)

• This rare cast album features the original cast of the show and Dolly singing some of her biggest hits and some previously unreleased Dolly compositions like "Mama / Being Dad", "The Dinner Bucket Song", and "Travelin' Family Band".

Wildwood Grove (2019)

• Written by Dolly for the opening of the Wildwood Grove section of the park in 2019. The song is a re-written version of her 1974 number one hit, "Love Is Like a Butterfly". Dolly performed the song live at the grand opening.

Big Bear (2023)

• Written by Dolly for the opening of the Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster in 2023. Dolly performed the song live at the grand opening.

Dolly released a new single on Friday, March 7, 2025. Titled "If You Hadn't Been There", the single is dedicated to Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years who passed away on March 3. The song was written by Dolly and was produced by Kent Wells and Gregg Perry. Perry and Dolly first worked together on her 1977 album, New Harvest...First Gathering. This track marks their first collaboration since 1983's Burlap & Satin. The song will be featured in the upcoming musical about Dolly's life. She first mentioned the song during the January 28, 2025 press conference announcing the initial preview performances for Dolly: An Original Musical. She cited the song as her personal favorite in the musical, describing it as the show's "theme song." She said, "It talks about all the people that have been in my life, but it's also a reference to God as well." Upon the single's release she said, "I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."

The touching tribute is available now from all music platforms. Listen in the video below.

by Dolly Parton
​
​If you hadn't been there where would I be?
Without your trust, love, and belief
The ups and downs we've always shared
And I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there

If you hadn't been you, well who would I be?
You've always seen the best in me
Your loving arms have cradled me
You held me close and I believe

I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there
Holding my hand, showing you cared
You made me dream more than I dared
And I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there

Oh, you are my rock, a soft place to land
My wings, my confidence, you understand
Your willingness, beyond compare
No, I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there

I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there
Pushing me on when I was scared
I thank God and you, oh, for your loving care
And for giving me love with more to spare

You made me climb and top the stairs
I wouldn't be here
I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there
Oh, I wouldn't be here if you had been there