OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Dolly Parton’s journey to superstardom was built upon talent, perseverance, and the support of those who believed in her. One of the most significant yet often overlooked chapters of her rise to fame can be traced back to an early collaboration with her “Uncle Bill” Owens. This partnership led to the creation of Dolly’s first hit, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” a song that helped her break into the country music scene and establish herself as both a gifted singer and songwriter.
At just 11 years old, Parton, with Owens, wrote her first song, “Puppy Love,” which was released in 1959 on Goldband Records. This debut was accompanied by a B-side, “Girl Left Alone,” which also featured the songwriting talents of her aunt, Dorothy Jo Owens. While these early efforts were small steps, they laid the groundwork for the legendary collaborations that would follow.
By the mid-1960s, Dolly was gaining attention in the country music world, and in 1966, she and Uncle Bill co-wrote “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” Initially recorded by Bill Phillips, the song quickly became a hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Country charts. Not only was the song a breakthrough for Parton, but it also earned her and Owens recognition from BMI, which named it Song of the Year in 1966. Although Parton wasn’t credited for her backing vocals on Phillips’ recording, the exposure was invaluable, and her version of the song, released later on her debut album Hello, I’m Dolly, brought even more acclaim.
Parton reflected on the significance of this success, saying, “Uncle Bill and I were so excited about going to the big ceremony to accept our awards.” She described the recognition as a huge confidence builder, particularly because it was the first of their co-written songs to be recorded by a major artist. The success of “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” marked the beginning of a string of accomplishments for Parton, as it demonstrated her ability to write poignant lyrics and emotionally charged melodies, something that would define her career.
The song’s poignant lyrics, depicting a lover’s heartbreak and the emotional turmoil of delaying the inevitable, resonated deeply with listeners. The narrative, based on a traditional country style of storytelling, captures the essence of emotional vulnerability and the desire to delay painful confrontations, urging the listener to “put it off until tomorrow.”
Loretta Lynn’s Versions and Other Renditions
Following its release, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” became a favorite among other country artists. Loretta Lynn, whose career was also on the rise, recorded her version in 1966 on her album You Ain’t Woman Enough. This album would go on to become her first No. 1 country album. Other artists, including Jeannie Seely and Skeeter Davis, soon followed suit, adding their own renditions to the song’s growing legacy.
Skeeter Davis’s cover of another Parton-Owens collaboration, “Fuel to the Flame,” also released in 1967, helped Davis return to the charts after a two-year absence. Parton’s involvement in these projects not only demonstrated her versatility as a songwriter but also solidified her place as a key contributor to the country music scene.
Parton’s version of “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” continued to find new life in various forms, with multiple recordings throughout her career. She re-recorded the song in 1968 with her long-time collaborator Porter Wagoner, and again in 1982 with Kris Kristofferson. A 1993 version featuring Parton alongside Lynn and Tammy Wynette further cemented the song’s place in country music history. In 2019, a new interpretation came from Crystal Gayle, who joined forces with Lynn and Peggy Sue to create a fresh take on the classic.
The Legacy of Dolly Parton’s Early Songs
In her early collaborations with men like Uncle Bill and Porter Wagoner, Parton’s songwriting was already setting her apart as a force to be reckoned with in the country genre. Her ability to create emotional, relatable songs, often in partnership with other talented songwriters, paved the way for her later collaborations with artists like Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and even her goddaughter Miley Cyrus.
Looking back, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” and the other early songs co-written with Owens helped establish Dolly Parton as a respected songwriter in country music. These initial hits not only showcased her extraordinary songwriting talent but also proved that she was a rising star in an industry that would come to embrace her as a timeless icon. Though the song may be a bit forgotten in the shadow of Parton’s later successes, its influence on her career and the country music landscape cannot be overstated.