It may be hard to believe, but it has been almost a full 50 years since one of country music's greatest treasures, Dolly Parton, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Parton had that honor on Jan. 4, 1969, and the Opry is poised to recognize this anniversary by setting a special "Dolly Week" with performances by the legend to commemorate her extraordinary career.

Parton will return to the Opry stage on Oct. 12, 2019, capping a week-long celebration of her music, dubbed "Dolly Week 2019." As she herself notes, this is an honor that is particularly meaningful.

“It was always my dream to be on the Opry,” says Parton. “I actually got to sing on the Grand Ole Opry when I was about 10 years old. I officially became a member back in 1969 and I cannot believe next year I will celebrate 50 proud years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry!

"They call it the ‘Mother Church’ because the old Ryman was a church, but it’s sacred to me, wherever it goes," she adds. "The church of my heart. For me, the Opry is like the song ‘New York, New York’—if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I am excited to be coming back home to celebrate 50 years of membership!”

Some of the activities surrounding Parton's special week in October include a classics show spotlighting her No. 1 hits, and a "Mountain Soul" show in which bluegrass/Americana artists honor her legend. Artists for the event will be announced in the coming months.

Hello, Dolly! See Dolly Parton Through the Years

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