The Early Spark of a Legend: Dolly Parton’s First Steps in Songwriting
At just 11 years old, Dolly Parton, alongside her uncle Bill Owens, penned her very first song, “Puppy Love.” Released in 1959 on Goldband Records, this charming debut was paired with a B-side titled “Girl Left Alone,” co-written by her aunt, Dorothy Jo Owens. Though these early tracks were modest beginnings, they were the first flickers of a songwriting genius that would soon set the country music world ablaze.
By the mid-1960s, Dolly’s talent was impossible to ignore. In 1966, she and Uncle Bill crafted “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” a song that would change everything. Initially recorded by Bill Phillips, it soared to No. 6 on the Country charts, becoming an instant classic. The song’s success wasn’t just a career milestone—it earned Parton and Owens BMI’s Song of the Year award in 1966. Though Dolly’s harmonies were left uncredited on Phillips’ version, her own rendition, later featured on her debut album Hello, I’m Dolly, solidified her as a rising star.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Dolly shared, “Uncle Bill and I were over the moon when we got to walk up and accept our award. It was our first big break, and it made us believe we could really do this.” The song’s emotional weight—its lyrics weaving heartbreak and the agony of postponing painful goodbyes—struck a chord with listeners. Its storytelling, raw and deeply country, showcased Dolly’s gift for turning personal pain into universal anthems.
A Song That Inspired Generations
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” didn’t just resonate with fans—it became a magnet for other artists. Loretta Lynn, then climbing the ranks of country music, included her own powerful take on the track in her 1966 album You Ain’t Woman Enough, which became her first No. 1 record. Soon, legends like Jeannie Seely and Skeeter Davis added their voices to the song’s legacy. Davis’s 1967 cover of another Parton-Owens collaboration, “Fuel to the Flame,” even revived her career after a two-year hiatus—proof of Dolly’s songwriting magic.
Over the decades, Dolly kept the song alive through fresh interpretations. She recorded it with Porter Wagoner in 1968, then again with Kris Kristofferson in 1982. A star-studded 1993 version featuring Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette turned it into a country music landmark. And in 2019, Crystal Gayle, alongside Lynn and Peggy Sue, breathed new life into the timeless classic.
The Foundation of a Timeless Career
Long before “Jolene” or “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly’s collaborations with Uncle Bill and Porter Wagoner proved she was a songwriter unlike any other. Her early work—raw, emotional, and irresistibly catchy—laid the groundwork for future partnerships with icons like Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, and even her goddaughter Miley Cyrus.
While “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” might not be as famous as her later hits, its impact is undeniable. It was the song that announced Dolly Parton as a force in country music—a storyteller who could break hearts and heal them in just three minutes. And though decades have passed, its legacy endures, a testament to the timeless power of a young girl from Tennessee and her unshakable dream.