In the 45 years since her debut as a country artist, living legend Dolly Parton has proven to be one of the most successful female artists in the history of music. The Recording Academy has taken notice, and announced this week that Dolly will be a recipient of next year's Lifetime Achievement Award, along with other Special Merit Awards honorees including Julie Andrews, Roy Haynes, Julliard String Quartet, The Kingston Trio, Ramones and George Beverly Shea.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors lifelong artistic contributions to the recording medium, is determined by vote of The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. In a statement, they recognized Dolly as a true pioneer in the entertainment field: "Dolly Parton's nearly five decade-long career has been one of great diversity, having earned her success as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, actress, author, and philanthropist. Known for such hits as 'Coat of Many Colors,' 'Jolene,' 'I Will Always Love You,' and '9 To 5,' Parton remains one of the most successful women in country music. She has been the recipient on many prestigious awards, including seven GRAMMY awards, CMA Entertainer of The Year, National Medal of Arts, and Kennedy Center Honors. In 2008 she released her most recent studio album, 'Backwoods Barbie,' and recently wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical version of '9 To 5,' based on the 1980 film in which she starred."

The special invitation-only ceremony will be held during Grammy week on February 12, 2011, with a formal acknowledgment being announced during the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. The Grammys will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.

For a list of 2011 Grammy nominees, click here.

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