Dolly Parton RIP 1946-2026

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.” [Dolly Parton’s Instagram]

Few artists have left a mark on American music quite like Dolly Parton – and we are proud to count her among the legendary performers who have graced the stage at the Garden State Arts Center, now the PNC Bank Arts Center.

Dolly first performed at the Garden State Arts Center on August 12, 1978, during a remarkable period in her career when she was beginning to reach an even broader audience. That summer, a contemporary Billboard article noted that the Arts Center was on pace for its best season ever and specifically listed Dolly Parton with Eddie Rabbitt among its August attractions.

Dolly returned to the Garden State Arts Center the following summer, performing on August 13, 1979. Her set included some of the songs that would become enduring favorites, including Here You Come Again, Heartbreaker, Jolene, and My Tennessee Mountain Home.

She returned once again on August 2, 1992, bringing another generation of hits to the Holmdel stage. Her set included Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You – as well as a particularly unexpected choice: a performance of Madonna’s Like a Virgin.

And Dolly’s connection with the venue continued decades later. On June 26, 2016, she returned to the renamed PNC Bank Arts Center as part of her Pure & Simple Tour.

From country music legend to beloved songwriter, entertainer, philanthropist and cultural icon, Dolly Parton has continued to inspire generations of fans.

We are honored to remember the times this extraordinary artist shared her talent with audiences here in Holmdel – and grateful that her story is part of the long and colorful history of the Garden State Arts Center.

Thank you, Dolly, for the memories!