Dolly Parton Joins Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Dolly Parton will be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame on February 2. While she's rooted in country music, Parton has always included gospel music in her repertoire. Many of her songs, including 'Coat of Many Colors,' have spiritual overtones to them. Her most recent album, 'Backwoods Barbie,' includes the tune 'Jesus and Gravity,' which she sang on 'American Idol' last year.

Twenty years ago, Parton's performance of the rousing gospel number 'He's Alive' brought the audience to their feet at the CMA Awards show. The granddaughter of a Pentecostal preacher from East Tenn., Parton released her first gospel album, 'I Believe,' in 1970. The disc included several original songs as well as gospel standards. Parton's Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., houses the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. It is also host to the National Gospel Harvest Celebration each fall.

Parton will be inducted alongside Christian music singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith, gospel singer and television star Dr. Bobby Jones, gospel entertainers the Dixie Hummingbirds and producer Lari Goss. They will join a group of legendary performers who are already in the Hall of Fame, including the Statler Brothers, Elvis Presley, Amy Grant, the Oak Ridge Boys, Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Reverend Billy Graham.

The ceremony will take place at the Richland Country Club in Nashville. The Imperials, who were the original backup singers for Elvis, will provide entertainment for the evening. Tickets are available by calling 615-277-1366 through January 23.

Parton was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.