This page is a list of Dolly recordings known to exist that remain unreleased.
1962 – Mercury Records session
February 25, 1962
An unissued trial recording from Dolly's Mercury period. The recording is not present in the surviving Mercury files, and its current whereabouts are unknown; it may have been destroyed. She later recorded the song for Monument Records in 1964 and it was included on her debut album Hello, I'm Dolly in 1967.
- "I Wasted My Tears" (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens)
An unissued trial recording from Dolly's Mercury period. The recording is not present in the surviving Mercury files, and its current whereabouts are unknown; it may have been destroyed. She later recorded the song for Monument Records in 1964 and it was included on her debut album Hello, I'm Dolly in 1967.
1964 – "A Heartache Older Now" (Mike Cain)
Dolly recorded a demo of this song in 1964, preserved on an acetate disc in the collection of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Dolly recorded a demo of this song in 1964, preserved on an acetate disc in the collection of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
1965/1966 – Monument / Combine demo sessions
- "Just for Me" (Dolly Parton)
- "Time and Distance" (Dolly Parton)
- "Am I Right or Wrong" (Dolly Parton)
- "I Don't Care If You Don't Care" (Dolly Parton) (Bill Owens with Dolly harmony)
1969 – My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy album sessions
May 13, 1969
Dolly recorded "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy" on May 13, 1969, but it rejected, meaning the master was deemed unacceptable for release. She re-recorded it on May 20, 1969 and this version was included on the 1969 album of the same name. Dolly first recorded "Coat of Many Colors" during a May 21, 1969 recording session that yielded songs for My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy (1969) and The Fairest of Them All (1970). This recording has never been released. Dolly re-recorded the song on April 27, 1971 for the Coat of Many Colors (1971) album.
- "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
- "Coat of Many Colors" (Dolly Parton)
Dolly recorded "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy" on May 13, 1969, but it rejected, meaning the master was deemed unacceptable for release. She re-recorded it on May 20, 1969 and this version was included on the 1969 album of the same name. Dolly first recorded "Coat of Many Colors" during a May 21, 1969 recording session that yielded songs for My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy (1969) and The Fairest of Them All (1970). This recording has never been released. Dolly re-recorded the song on April 27, 1971 for the Coat of Many Colors (1971) album.
1970 – Joshua album sessions
April 20, 1970
"Early Morning Breeze" was first recorded on April 20, 1970 during early sessions for the 1971 album Joshua and was rejected, meaning it was deemed unacceptable for release. Dolly re-recorded the song on January 26, 1971 and this version was included on Coat of Many Colors (1971). She recorded it again on December 26, 1973 for the Jolene (1974) album and a third time for her 2014 album Blue Smoke.
- "Early Morning Breeze" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
"Early Morning Breeze" was first recorded on April 20, 1970 during early sessions for the 1971 album Joshua and was rejected, meaning it was deemed unacceptable for release. Dolly re-recorded the song on January 26, 1971 and this version was included on Coat of Many Colors (1971). She recorded it again on December 26, 1973 for the Jolene (1974) album and a third time for her 2014 album Blue Smoke.
1970 – A Real Live Dolly album
April 25, 1970
A Real Live Dolly was recorded on April 25, 1970, at Dolly's high school alma mater, Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tennessee. Eight songs performed that day were cut from the album's release: "Just Because I'm a Woman," "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)," "Daddy Come and Get Me," "He's a Go-Getter," "Just the Way I Am," "Coat of Many Colors," "Chicken Every Sunday," and a reprise of "Tall Man." Two of these unused tracks would be released as bonus tracks on the 2003 reissue of Just Because I'm a Woman ("Just Because I'm a Woman" and "Coat of Many Colors"). Those two tracks plus two additional songs were added to the 2009 reissue of A Real Live Dolly ("Daddy Come and Get Me" and "He's a Go-Getter").
- "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)" (Dolly Parton)
- "Just the Way I Am" (Dolly Parton)
- "Tall Man" (Billy Strange, Juan Esquivel)
- "Chicken Every Sunday" (Charlie Craig, Betty Craig)
A Real Live Dolly was recorded on April 25, 1970, at Dolly's high school alma mater, Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tennessee. Eight songs performed that day were cut from the album's release: "Just Because I'm a Woman," "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)," "Daddy Come and Get Me," "He's a Go-Getter," "Just the Way I Am," "Coat of Many Colors," "Chicken Every Sunday," and a reprise of "Tall Man." Two of these unused tracks would be released as bonus tracks on the 2003 reissue of Just Because I'm a Woman ("Just Because I'm a Woman" and "Coat of Many Colors"). Those two tracks plus two additional songs were added to the 2009 reissue of A Real Live Dolly ("Daddy Come and Get Me" and "He's a Go-Getter").
1970 – "Golden Girl" (Dolly Parton)
"Golden Girl" is a Dolly composition dating to at least 1970, when Dick Curless recorded it for his 1971 Capitol album Doggin' It. Dolly subsequently registered the song under the title "(The Silent World Of) Golden Girl" in 1977. An unreleased Dolly recording has circulated online; based on its sound and vocal style, the recording appears to date from the 1970s, although its exact recording date and circumstances are unknown. The song tells the story of a deaf and mute young woman whose innocence causes the narrator to leave her untouched.
"Golden Girl" is a Dolly composition dating to at least 1970, when Dick Curless recorded it for his 1971 Capitol album Doggin' It. Dolly subsequently registered the song under the title "(The Silent World Of) Golden Girl" in 1977. An unreleased Dolly recording has circulated online; based on its sound and vocal style, the recording appears to date from the 1970s, although its exact recording date and circumstances are unknown. The song tells the story of a deaf and mute young woman whose innocence causes the narrator to leave her untouched.
1971 – late Joshua album sessions / early Coat of Many Colors album sessions)
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January 25, 1971
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January 26, 1971
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These unreleased recordings were recorded on January 25 and January 26, 1971 during sessions that marked the end of material for Joshua and the beginning of Coat of Many Colors. Some of them were re-recorded and included on later albums. "The Last One to Touch Me" was re-recorded on February 11, 1971 and included on Joshua (1972). "My Blue Tears" was re-recorded on April 16, 1971 and included on Coat of Many Colors (1971), while "A Little at a Time" was re-recorded on January 11, 1972 and released on the 1972 album Touch Your Woman. Dolly performed "He Is Real" live in Holland in December 1978 and a recording of this performance has circulated among fans. She performed "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt on an episode of her 1976–1977 syndicated variety series.
1971 – "The Peddler Comes on Tuesday" (Dolly Parton)
"The Peddler Comes on Tuesday" was written by Dolly and is documented in a 1971 U.S. copyright registration, which credits Dolly with both words and music. A low-fidelity acoustic demo of the song circulated online years ago. The recording appears consistent with Dolly's late-1960s/early-1970s work, although its exact recording date and circumstances have not been established.
"The Peddler Comes on Tuesday" was written by Dolly and is documented in a 1971 U.S. copyright registration, which credits Dolly with both words and music. A low-fidelity acoustic demo of the song circulated online years ago. The recording appears consistent with Dolly's late-1960s/early-1970s work, although its exact recording date and circumstances have not been established.
1972 – My Tennessee Mountain Home album sessions
September 5, 1972
Both song were recorded on September 5, 1972, but were rejected, meaning they were deemed unacceptable for release. Dolly re-recorded both songs on October 3, 1972, and these versions were included on the 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home.
- "I Remember" (rejected master)
- "The Better Part of Life" (rejected master)
Both song were recorded on September 5, 1972, but were rejected, meaning they were deemed unacceptable for release. Dolly re-recorded both songs on October 3, 1972, and these versions were included on the 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home.
1973 – Bubbling Over album sessions and Jolene album sessions
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February 1, 1973
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December 5, 1973
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Dolly re-recorded "Applejack" on November 30, 1976, but this version is also unreleased. The version that was included on New Harvest...First Gathering (1977) was recorded on December 10, 1976. Dolly recorded a version of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" with Chet Atkins on September 3, 1976 which was included on his 1976 album The Best of Chet Atkins. She recorded two more unreleased solo versions in 1976 and 1977 before recording the version included on Heartbreak Express (1982). Dolly re-recorded "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" as a duet with Porter Wagoner on May 23, 1974 of their 1974 album Porter 'n' Dolly, and a solo version was recorded on February 19, 1976 for Dolly's 1976 album All I Can Do.
1974 – The Bargain Store album sessions
- "Steady as the Rain" (Dolly Parton)
- "You Are" (Dolly Parton)
- "The Sun Don't Shine"
1976 – All I Can Do album sessions
- "Do You Think That Time Stands Still" (Dolly Parton)
- "All I Can Do" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
- "Luv-a My Life"
- "It's Been One of Those Days"
- "Candy Fields"
- "Just as Much as Always"
- "Holdin' on to You" (Dolly Parton)
1976 – New Harvest...First Gathering album sessions
- "Do You Think That Time Stands Still" (Dolly Parton)
- "Applejack" (Dolly Parton)
- "John Daniel" (Dolly Parton)
- "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher"
- "Gone"
- "What's the Use"
- "The Flame" (Dolly Parton)
- "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" (Dolly Parton)
1977 – Here You Come Again album sessions
- "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
- "Down" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
- "Cathy's Clown" (rejected master)
- "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" (rejected master) (Dolly Parton)
c. 1980 – "Once You've Left"
"Once You've Left" is an unreleased Dolly recording that surfaced on a 10-inch acetate from Music City Recorders, dating from around 1980. The acetate was included in a group of vintage country acetates sold through Heritage Auctions in 2012.
"Once You've Left" is an unreleased Dolly recording that surfaced on a 10-inch acetate from Music City Recorders, dating from around 1980. The acetate was included in a group of vintage country acetates sold through Heritage Auctions in 2012.
1986 – A Smoky Mountain Christmas soundtrack
Dolly wrote and recorded six original songs for the 1986 television film A Smoky Mountain Christmas, but a soundtrack album was never released. To date, only three songs from the soundtrack have been released. "(I'd Like to Spend) Christmas with Santa," "Wrapped Up in You," and the title track were released on the 2022 Ultimate Deluxe Edition of A Holly Dolly Christmas.
- "Country Memories" (Dolly Parton)
- "Look on the Bright Side" (Dolly Parton)
- "(I'd Like to Spend) Christmas with Santa" (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens)
- "Pretty Is as Pretty Does" (Dolly Parton)
- "A Smoky Mountain Christmas" (Dolly Parton)
- "Wrapped Up in You" (Dolly Parton)
Dolly wrote and recorded six original songs for the 1986 television film A Smoky Mountain Christmas, but a soundtrack album was never released. To date, only three songs from the soundtrack have been released. "(I'd Like to Spend) Christmas with Santa," "Wrapped Up in You," and the title track were released on the 2022 Ultimate Deluxe Edition of A Holly Dolly Christmas.
1987 – Rainbow album
Both titles possibly appeared on an advance copy or limited Canadian cassette release of the 1987 album Rainbow. Neither track has surfaced among collectors to my knowledge. "Headlock on My Heart" was ultimately used in the premiere episode of Dolly's 1987–1988 ABC variety series where she filmed a music video for the song featuring Hulk Hogan.
- "Wild Women in Love"
- "Headlock on My Heart" (Dolly Parton)
Both titles possibly appeared on an advance copy or limited Canadian cassette release of the 1987 album Rainbow. Neither track has surfaced among collectors to my knowledge. "Headlock on My Heart" was ultimately used in the premiere episode of Dolly's 1987–1988 ABC variety series where she filmed a music video for the song featuring Hulk Hogan.
1991 – Wild Texas Wind soundtrack
Dolly recorded several songs for the 1991 television film Wild Texas Wind, though a soundtrack album was not released. Dolly later re-recorded "Speakin' of the Devil" for her 1995 album Something Special, and "Leave That Cowboy Alone" eventually surfaced on Ray Benson's 2003 album Beyond Time. It features a new instrumental built around the original vocals.
- "Big T" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton) 2:53
- "Ring Around the Moon" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton) 1:30
- "Say It's True" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton) 3:02
- "Road Happy / On the Road Again" Dolly Parton, Ray Benson, and Willie Nelson (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson) 2:05
- "Swingin' Like Tarzan and Jane" Dolly Parton and Ray Benson (Dolly Parton) 1:48
- "Leave That Cowboy Alone" Dolly Parton and Ray Benson (Ray Benson, Dolly Parton) 2:04
- "Wild Texas Wind" Dolly Parton (Carl Perkins) 2:12
- "Speakin' of the Devil" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton) 1:56
- "Tall Man" Dolly Parton and Ray Benson (Billy Strange, Juan Esquivel) 1:44
- "My Songbird" Willie Nelson (Jesse Winchester) 3:15
Dolly recorded several songs for the 1991 television film Wild Texas Wind, though a soundtrack album was not released. Dolly later re-recorded "Speakin' of the Devil" for her 1995 album Something Special, and "Leave That Cowboy Alone" eventually surfaced on Ray Benson's 2003 album Beyond Time. It features a new instrumental built around the original vocals.
1991 – "Why Does It Have to Be" (Dolly Parton)
Written by Dolly and registered with the U.S Copyright Office on February 21, 1991, alongside songs from the 1991 television movie Wild Texas Wind and the 1992 theatrical film Straight Talk. This song has never been officially released, but has circulated online. The circulating recording features lyrics different from the song Dolly performs briefly in Wild Texas Wind, but shares the same melody.
Written by Dolly and registered with the U.S Copyright Office on February 21, 1991, alongside songs from the 1991 television movie Wild Texas Wind and the 1992 theatrical film Straight Talk. This song has never been officially released, but has circulated online. The circulating recording features lyrics different from the song Dolly performs briefly in Wild Texas Wind, but shares the same melody.
1993 – Slow Dancing with the Moon album sessions
c. October 1992
- "Wild Texas Wind" (Carl Perkins)
1994 – Heartsongs: Live from Home album sessions
April 23 and 24, 1994
- "The Tennessee Waltz"
- "Single Girl"
- "Pleasant as May"
- "Keep on the Sunny Side"
- "Wildwood Flower"
- "Banks of the Ohio"
- "On Top of Old Smoky"
1996 – Treasures album sessions
June 1996
Dolly recorded "Son of a Preacher Man" for her 1996 album Treasures. The recording was initially intended for inclusion on the album, and Dolly performed the song publicly during the album's early rollout, including appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Prime Time Country. The song ultimately did not appear on the finished Treasures album and remains unreleased.
- "Son of a Preacher Man" (John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins)
Dolly recorded "Son of a Preacher Man" for her 1996 album Treasures. The recording was initially intended for inclusion on the album, and Dolly performed the song publicly during the album's early rollout, including appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Prime Time Country. The song ultimately did not appear on the finished Treasures album and remains unreleased.
1998 – Hungry Again album
Dolly said she wrote enough material for Hungry Again to make two or three albums. Several of the cut songs eventually emerged on other Dolly albums. The first song to emerge after the album's release was "Endless Stream of Tears" on Dolly's 1999 album The Grass Is Blue. "We Might Be in Love" was used in the 1999 television film Blue Valley Songbird and later submitted for consideration for the 2000 animated musical Tom Sawyer. "Shinola" originated during the Hungry Again sessions and was finally released on Backwoods Barbie in 2008, while "In the Meantime" was later considered for Halos & Horns before finally appearing on Better Day in 2011. Five tracks on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA originated from the Hungry Again sessions: "A Rose Won't Fix It" (with Heidi Parton), "Be Your Own Man" (with Lainey Parton), "Not Bad" (with Shelley Rená), "For Keeps" (with Tanya Renee), and "We Might Be in Love" (with Faith Reeann).
- "A Rose Won't Fix It" (Dolly Parton)
- "Be Your Own Man" (Dolly Parton)
- "Not Bad" (Dolly Parton)
- "For Keeps" (Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart)
- "We Might Be in Love" (Dolly Parton)
- "Endless Stream of Tears" (Dolly Parton)
- "Shinola" (Dolly Parton)
- "In the Meantime" (Dolly Parton)
Dolly said she wrote enough material for Hungry Again to make two or three albums. Several of the cut songs eventually emerged on other Dolly albums. The first song to emerge after the album's release was "Endless Stream of Tears" on Dolly's 1999 album The Grass Is Blue. "We Might Be in Love" was used in the 1999 television film Blue Valley Songbird and later submitted for consideration for the 2000 animated musical Tom Sawyer. "Shinola" originated during the Hungry Again sessions and was finally released on Backwoods Barbie in 2008, while "In the Meantime" was later considered for Halos & Horns before finally appearing on Better Day in 2011. Five tracks on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA originated from the Hungry Again sessions: "A Rose Won't Fix It" (with Heidi Parton), "Be Your Own Man" (with Lainey Parton), "Not Bad" (with Shelley Rená), "For Keeps" (with Tanya Renee), and "We Might Be in Love" (with Faith Reeann).
1999 – Blue Valley Songbird soundtrack
- "I Hope You're Never Happy" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton)
- "We Might Be in Love" Dolly Parton and Billy Dean (Dolly Parton)
- "Angel Band" Dolly Parton (William Bradbury, Jefferson Hascall)
- "My Blue Tears" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton)
- "Runaway Feelin'" Dolly Parton and Billy Dean (Dolly Parton)
- "Blue Valley Songbird" Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton)
Dolly recorded several songs for the 1999 television film Blue Valley Songbird, although a soundtrack album was never released. Some were new recordings, while others were songs she had recorded previously. "I Hope You're Never Happy" was first recorded for her 1985 album Real Love, while "My Blue Tears" originated on her 1971 album Coat of Many Colors and was later recorded again for Little Sparrow and Rockstar. Dolly first recorded "Runway Feelin'" for her 1991 album Eagle When She Flies, while a more acoustic arrangement of the title track had appeared on her 1998 album Hungry Again. Dolly has never commercially released a recording of "Angel Band." Dolly originally write "We Might Be in Love" for her 1998 album Hungry Again before using it in Blue Valley Songbird. She later submitted it among her selections for MGM's 2000 animated musical Tom Sawyer (more on that below). Dolly eventually released a duet version of "We Might Be in Love" with her cousin Faith Reeann on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA.
2000 – Tom Sawyer demos
Dollymania reported in December 1999 that Dolly had written and recorded a group of original songs as demos for MGM's 2000 animated musical Tom Sawyer. None of Dolly's songs were ultimately used in the finished film or its soundtrack. The demos have since circulated among fans, but were never officially released. One of the songs, "We Might Be in Love," had previously been featured in the 1999 television film Blue Valley Songbird, after being written during the sessions for Dolly's 1998 album Hungry Again. Dolly eventually released a duet version of "We Might Be in Love" with her cousin Faith Reeann on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA.
- "Country Boy" (Dolly Parton) 2:15
- "Wow-Meow" (Dolly Parton) 3:02
- "Adventure" (Dolly Parton) 2:36
- "Making Me Crazy" (Dolly Parton) 2:50
- "We Might Be in Love" (Dolly Parton) 3:05
Dollymania reported in December 1999 that Dolly had written and recorded a group of original songs as demos for MGM's 2000 animated musical Tom Sawyer. None of Dolly's songs were ultimately used in the finished film or its soundtrack. The demos have since circulated among fans, but were never officially released. One of the songs, "We Might Be in Love," had previously been featured in the 1999 television film Blue Valley Songbird, after being written during the sessions for Dolly's 1998 album Hungry Again. Dolly eventually released a duet version of "We Might Be in Love" with her cousin Faith Reeann on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA.
2001 – "Something in Red" (Mike Noble)
"Something in Red," written by Mike Noble and originally recorded by Lorrie Morgan for her 1991 album of the same name, was reportedly recorded by Dolly for her 2001 album, Little Sparrow. Dolly fansites reported on the cover during the album's early development. The song ultimately did not appear on Little Sparrow, and remains unreleased.
"Something in Red," written by Mike Noble and originally recorded by Lorrie Morgan for her 1991 album of the same name, was reportedly recorded by Dolly for her 2001 album, Little Sparrow. Dolly fansites reported on the cover during the album's early development. The song ultimately did not appear on Little Sparrow, and remains unreleased.
2002 – "Chasing Rainbows" (Dolly Parton)
Written and recorded in 2002 for the opening of Dollywood's Chasing Rainbows Museum. Dolly performed the song for the museum's opening, and a portion was included at the conclusion of the museum's tour DVD. A 2002 U.S. copyright registration documents Dolly as both songwriter and recording artist and describes it as a "sound cassette + lyric sheet." The song has never received a commercial release.
Written and recorded in 2002 for the opening of Dollywood's Chasing Rainbows Museum. Dolly performed the song for the museum's opening, and a portion was included at the conclusion of the museum's tour DVD. A 2002 U.S. copyright registration documents Dolly as both songwriter and recording artist and describes it as a "sound cassette + lyric sheet." The song has never received a commercial release.
2003 – "Smithfield Boys" (Coley McCabe)
"Smithfield Boys" was recorded by Rebecca Lynn Howard during sessions for her unreleased 2003 album Laughter and Tears. Written by Coley McCabe, the song features Dolly and Patty Loveless on harmony vocals. The song has never received an official release.
"Smithfield Boys" was recorded by Rebecca Lynn Howard during sessions for her unreleased 2003 album Laughter and Tears. Written by Coley McCabe, the song features Dolly and Patty Loveless on harmony vocals. The song has never received an official release.
2003 – "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)"
"Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)" was recorded by Dolly with Guy Clark, Randy Foster, Kathy Mattea, Roger McGuinn, Leigh Nash, and Kim Richey for the 2003 IMAX documentary Country Music: The Spirit of America, also known as Our Country. Filmed in September 2000, the performance brought together several artists for a rendition of Pete Seeger's 1959 composition, whose lyrics draw heavily from Ecclesiastes 3. This was a separate recording from Dolly's 1984 solo version for The Great Pretender and her 2005 recording with McGuinn for Those Were the Days, and it has not received a commercial release.
"Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)" was recorded by Dolly with Guy Clark, Randy Foster, Kathy Mattea, Roger McGuinn, Leigh Nash, and Kim Richey for the 2003 IMAX documentary Country Music: The Spirit of America, also known as Our Country. Filmed in September 2000, the performance brought together several artists for a rendition of Pete Seeger's 1959 composition, whose lyrics draw heavily from Ecclesiastes 3. This was a separate recording from Dolly's 1984 solo version for The Great Pretender and her 2005 recording with McGuinn for Those Were the Days, and it has not received a commercial release.
2005 – Those Were the Days album sessions
- "Blue Smoke" (Dolly Parton)
- "Joy to the World" (Hoyt Axton, Chuck Negron)
2007 – "One Friend" (Keb' Mo')
"One Friend" is an unreleased recording by Dolly and her brother Randy Parton, featuring their rendition of the song written and recorded by Keb' Mo'. The recording was used as part of Randy's show at the Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, which opened in 2007. The theater was short-lived, closing in 2010, and the recording has never received a commercial release.
"One Friend" is an unreleased recording by Dolly and her brother Randy Parton, featuring their rendition of the song written and recorded by Keb' Mo'. The recording was used as part of Randy's show at the Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, which opened in 2007. The theater was short-lived, closing in 2010, and the recording has never received a commercial release.
2008 – Backwoods Barbie album
Backwoods Barbie was originally to be titled Country Is as Country Does, but following the title change the song did not appear on the final track listing. It later appeared on Dolly's 2011 album, Better Day, but it is unconfirmed if this is the same recording considered for the 2008 album or a newly recorded version. In February 2007, Dolly told The Las Vegas City Life that she had recorded a song for Backwoods Barbie titled "Just a Wee Bit Gay" about a woman and her in-the-closet husband. The Press Democrat covered Dolly's February 2007 concert in Santa Rosa, where she revealed that she had recorded a new version of her 1966 composition "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.
- "Country Is as Country Does" (Dolly Parton, Mac Davis)
- "Just a Wee Bit Gay" (Dolly Parton)
- "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" (featuring Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell) (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens)
Backwoods Barbie was originally to be titled Country Is as Country Does, but following the title change the song did not appear on the final track listing. It later appeared on Dolly's 2011 album, Better Day, but it is unconfirmed if this is the same recording considered for the 2008 album or a newly recorded version. In February 2007, Dolly told The Las Vegas City Life that she had recorded a song for Backwoods Barbie titled "Just a Wee Bit Gay" about a woman and her in-the-closet husband. The Press Democrat covered Dolly's February 2007 concert in Santa Rosa, where she revealed that she had recorded a new version of her 1966 composition "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.
2009 – 9 to 5: The Musical (Dolly's Demos)
- "Around Here" (Dolly Parton) 1:06
- "Tattletales" (Dolly Parton) 2:29
- "Backwoods Barbie" (Dolly Parton) 3:17
- "Heart to Hart" (Dolly Parton) 2:36
- "Shine Like the Sun" (Dolly Parton) 3:43
- "Get Out and Stay Out" (Dolly Parton) 3:00
- "Let Love Grow" (Dolly Parton) 2:24
2010 – First Dog soundtrack
Dolly wrote and recorded three original songs for the 2010 film First Dog. The full version of "Family of Friends" plays over the closing credits, followed by a clip of "Eager to Please." The DVD menu also features the full version of "Family of Friends." The version of "Somebody’s Missing You" featured in the film has an acoustic arrangement and different lyrics from the version later released on Dolly's 2011 album Better Day.
- "Family of Friends" (Dolly Parton)
- "Eager to Please" (Dolly Parton)
- "Somebody's Missing You" (Dolly Parton)
Dolly wrote and recorded three original songs for the 2010 film First Dog. The full version of "Family of Friends" plays over the closing credits, followed by a clip of "Eager to Please." The DVD menu also features the full version of "Family of Friends." The version of "Somebody’s Missing You" featured in the film has an acoustic arrangement and different lyrics from the version later released on Dolly's 2011 album Better Day.
2012 – "The Sky Is Not the Limit" (Dolly Parton)
"The Sky Is Not the Limit" was written and recorded by Dolly for the opening of Dollywood's Wild Eagle roller coaster in 2012. Three versions of the song were posted on Dollywood's Facebook page that March: ballad, country/bluegrass, and full orchestration. Fans were invited to choose their favorite as the ride's official theme. The full orchestration version was selected and used in Wild Eagle's queue, while the country/bluegrass version was eventually released commercially on The Dollywood Collection: Celebrating 40 Years of Music & Memories in 2025. The ballad and orchestral versions remain unavailable commercially.
- Full Orchestration Version – 3:08
- Ballad Version – 1:50
"The Sky Is Not the Limit" was written and recorded by Dolly for the opening of Dollywood's Wild Eagle roller coaster in 2012. Three versions of the song were posted on Dollywood's Facebook page that March: ballad, country/bluegrass, and full orchestration. Fans were invited to choose their favorite as the ride's official theme. The full orchestration version was selected and used in Wild Eagle's queue, while the country/bluegrass version was eventually released commercially on The Dollywood Collection: Celebrating 40 Years of Music & Memories in 2025. The ballad and orchestral versions remain unavailable commercially.
2013 – "Paint Your Dreams Across the Sky" (Dolly Parton)
Written by Dolly in 2013 for the Great American Summer festival fireworks show at Dollywood titled Dolly's Nights of Many Colors.
Written by Dolly in 2013 for the Great American Summer festival fireworks show at Dollywood titled Dolly's Nights of Many Colors.
2013 – "Uncle Billy" (Dolly Parton)
"Uncle Billy" was written and recorded by Dolly for the Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood, where it was featured as part of the exhibit honoring her uncle and longtime mentor, Bill Owens. Bill taught Dolly guitar and songwriting and played an important role in the early development of her career. The recording was used within the museum experience and has never received a commercial release.
"Uncle Billy" was written and recorded by Dolly for the Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood, where it was featured as part of the exhibit honoring her uncle and longtime mentor, Bill Owens. Bill taught Dolly guitar and songwriting and played an important role in the early development of her career. The recording was used within the museum experience and has never received a commercial release.
2015 – Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors television movie soundtrack
- "Angel Hill" (Dolly Parton)
2016 – Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love television movie soundtrack
- "Love and Forgiveness" (Dolly Parton)
2019 – "Lean on Me"
Dolly recorded a cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" as the theme song for World Orphans Day, a project organized by the Stars Foundation. The recording was made in association with her producer Kent Wells and was announced in 2019, with proceeds intended to benefit organizations supporting orphaned and vulnerable children. The song subsequently appeared in the 2021 film Foster Boy, where an abbreviated version plays over the closing credits. Although the recording was publicly announced and used in the film, it was never issued as a commercial Dolly single or included on one of her albums.
Dolly recorded a cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" as the theme song for World Orphans Day, a project organized by the Stars Foundation. The recording was made in association with her producer Kent Wells and was announced in 2019, with proceeds intended to benefit organizations supporting orphaned and vulnerable children. The song subsequently appeared in the 2021 film Foster Boy, where an abbreviated version plays over the closing credits. Although the recording was publicly announced and used in the film, it was never issued as a commercial Dolly single or included on one of her albums.
2019 – "Wildwood Grove" (Dolly Parton)
Written by Dolly for the opening of the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood 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.
Written by Dolly for the opening of the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood 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.
2021 – The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek album
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is an unreleased album by Dolly Parton, recorded in 2021 and inspired by Kim Michele Richardson's 2019 novel of the same name. Dolly was inspired by the story of Cussy Mary Carter, a Pack Horse Librarian in Depression-era Kentucky, and recorded a collection of 15 songs based on the novel's characters, themes, and setting. Although the album was completed, it has never been commercially released. Details about the project remained unknown until Richardson discussed the existence of the album, stating the Dolly had given her the music with permission to use it as she saw fit. Richardson said she had already been working toward the project's release prior to Dolly's death.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is an unreleased album by Dolly Parton, recorded in 2021 and inspired by Kim Michele Richardson's 2019 novel of the same name. Dolly was inspired by the story of Cussy Mary Carter, a Pack Horse Librarian in Depression-era Kentucky, and recorded a collection of 15 songs based on the novel's characters, themes, and setting. Although the album was completed, it has never been commercially released. Details about the project remained unknown until Richardson discussed the existence of the album, stating the Dolly had given her the music with permission to use it as she saw fit. Richardson said she had already been working toward the project's release prior to Dolly's death.
2023 – "Big Bear" (Dolly Parton)
Written by Dolly for the opening of the Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster at Dollywood in 2023. Dolly performed the song live at the grand opening.
Written by Dolly for the opening of the Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster at Dollywood in 2023. Dolly performed the song live at the grand opening.
2046 – "My Place in History" (Dolly Parton)
"My Place in History" was written and recorded by Dolly in 2015 for the opening of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. The recording was placed inside the resort's Dream Box, along with a CD player, and sealed with instructions that it not be opened until January 19, 2046, what would have been Dolly's 100th birthday. Dolly later expressed regret about having to wait so long to hear the song again, calling it a "really good song."
"My Place in History" was written and recorded by Dolly in 2015 for the opening of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. The recording was placed inside the resort's Dream Box, along with a CD player, and sealed with instructions that it not be opened until January 19, 2046, what would have been Dolly's 100th birthday. Dolly later expressed regret about having to wait so long to hear the song again, calling it a "really good song."
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This website is not affiliated with Dolly Parton.
All album covers and photos are copyrighted to their respective owners and are reproduced here in a sufficient resolution for commentary and identification, but lower resolution than the original image, and are intended for educational purposes only. Their use here is believed to qualify as fair use under the copyright law of the United States.
All original text and content © 2026 Ben Childers / The Dolly Parton Discography.
All rights reserved.
This website is not affiliated with Dolly Parton.