Dolly Parton Left a Lasting Mark on Latin Music

Like most music icons, Dolly Parton explored a variety of genres and styles in an extraordinary discography that began with her 1967 debut album — the country-flavored Hello, I’m Dolly — and concluded with the conceptual sass of Rockstar in 2023. Even though she never recorded in Spanish, Parton’s creative path crossed into Latin culture repeatedly — and she influenced countless artists in the Latin music world.

She frequently attracted Spanish-language stars and found camaraderie among them: Case in point, in 1994, Spanish superstar Julio Iglesias invited her to record a duet of the 1991 Diana Ross hit “When You Tell Me That You Love Me.” True to its Nineties roots, the arrangement was appropriately bombastic (don’t miss the electric guitar solo in the bridge.) Iglesias’s rico suave , international-playboy crooning style found its perfect counterpart in Parton’s fiery vocals.

In 2020, it was legendary Puerto Rican singer and guitarist José Feliciano who sought her out. He was in Nashville recording sessions for Behind This Guitar , Feliciano’s last studio LP to date. Producer Rick Jarrard suggested “Eagle When She Flies,” a self-penned composition that Parton had included as the title track of a 1991 album. Even though it was recorded remotely, their new version of the song is incredibly soulful, the effortless meeting of two legends who were clearly meant to harmonize together.

“After hearing it the very first time, I knew exactly what Dolly was saying, knowing certain women who are precisely what the song is about,” Feliciano stated at the time. “I needed to echo that myself. I am blown away, and so honored, really, that she offered to sing it with me. Dolly herself is a magnificent eagle.” When Parton turned 75 in January of 2021, Feliciano posted on social media a sweet homemade video performing “Happy Birthday” for her. “Thank you for sharing your music with me and the world,” he added. Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Parton’s music also influenced many Latin stars who grew up in the U.S. Earlier this year, country singer Kat Luna recorded a Spanglish take of Parton’s 1973 farewell ode “I Will Always Love You” as a way of “staying true to my country roots and my Latin roots.” And in 2020, Chiquis Rivera teamed up with Becky G for a groovy cumbia version of the anthemic “Jolene,” which has been also covered by a number of mariachi ensembles.

“I was fascinated by the idea because it brings together our two worlds,” Becky G told Telemundo. “When they ask me where I am from, I always say that I’m Mexican. However, country music was always heard in my house, and our ‘Jolene’ is that. It has the essence of Dolly with a little bit of our itch.”

It was Rivera who initially reached out to Dolly’s camp asking for permission to record the song. “Dolly is an icon in music and for women,” she said.