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Dolly Parton Releases Album on Own Label

Backwoods Barbie hits No. 2, gives an iconic career new life

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2008 3:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – More than a decade after Nashville spurned her for a crop of up-and-comers, Dolly Parton is releasing a new album on her own label--and having the last laugh, as Backwoods Barbie hit Billboard's No. 2 on Billboard in its second week. That's thanks to new technologies that are creating end-run opportunities around major labels. “Now the majors are what they used to think I was: history,” the 62-year-old singer told the AP.

The album's first single, a country-pop tune that Parton compares musically to Keith Urban, stalled at No. 48, while her second single, “Jesus & Gravity,” is just beginning to get airtime. A back problem has delayed Parton's planned 13-city tour; but the country icon will also mentor contestants on "American Idol."

Dolly Parton singing How Blue during taping of CMT Giants honoring Reba McEntire, on October 26, 2006.
Dolly Parton singing "How Blue" during taping of "CMT Giants" honoring Reba McEntire, on October 26, 2006.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dolly Parton arrives at the 78th Academy Awards. Parton says she's spending a lot of her own money trying to get back on country radio with her new CD, Backwoods Barbie.
Dolly Parton arrives at the 78th Academy Awards. Parton says she's spending a lot of her own money trying to get back on country radio with her new CD, "Backwoods Barbie."   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Dolly Parton arrives for the 2007 Songwriters Hall of Fame gala. A back problem has forced  Parton to postpone a concert tour she planned in support of her new CD.
Dolly Parton arrives for the 2007 Songwriters Hall of Fame gala. A back problem has forced Parton to postpone a concert tour she planned in support of her new CD.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
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