Dolly Parton named Guinness World Records icon

Country legend Dolly Parton has been named as a Guinness World Records icon. The accolade is a recognition of the star’s 11 world record-breaking achievements.

Guinness World Records made the announcement as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, honoring the Jolene singer’s unique track record in the music industry.

The 79-year-old stalwart of the country music scene already has a string of Guinness awards to her name including most studio albums released by a female country singer, most Grammy nominations for a female country artist, and most consecutive decades with top 10 album entries on the Billboard country chart.

Parton, a longtime vocal supporter of and activist for the LGBTQIA+ community has been describe as a living legend, and she accepted the new Icon certificate at her Nashville, Tennessee music studio.

The awarding organization describes the golden certificate as its “very highest honor”. Publishing a video to its YouTube channel, it said:

Larger-than-life living legend Dolly Parton has today been named a Guinness World Records ICON 🎵🏅

Dolly’s timeless tunes have captivated generations for decades, earning her 11 Guinness World Records titles.

In her typically humble maner, Parton accepted the award saying: “oh, what have I done now?!”

Recognizing Parton’s unique achievements, Craig Glenday –  editor in chief at Guinness World Records – said:

Dolly is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated writers and performers in the history of country music, as reflected in her many Guinness World Records certificates, but her reach and influence extends far beyond the musical world.

He added: “There are so many projects close to her heart – poverty relief, education, medical research and of course the Imagination Library free-books campaign – and it’s these important, life-changing initiatives that propels Dolly into a different league. She truly is a living legend, and it’s an honour to bestow GWR Icon status upon her”.