When you're a celebrity and you have been asked to host one of the biggest live television shows in the country, you know you've made it.  Earning a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live is that pivotal moment in any star’s career.  Hosting and performing on the hit sketch comedy show?  Well...now that's just impressive.

 

Which country star deserves this Saturday Night Live momentous honor and distinction? Well, Dolly Parton of course.

 

For the first time in her career, Dolly hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live during its 14th season on April 15th, 1989.  It's hard to believe that was over 30 years ago!

 

When Dolly appeared as a guest on the popular late-night show, she already had a well-established career. Dolly's resume at this juncture included acquiring six Academy of Country Music Awards, four American Guild of Variety Artists Awards, two American Music Awards, four Billboards Awards, a whopping 35 BMI Awards, six British Country Music Association Awards, two CMT Music Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, four Grammy Awards, and oh yeah, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969!

 

Dolly's personality sparkled on the now legendary SNL stage.  Her energy during her opening monologue resonated throughout the audience.  SNL really got friendly with Dolly, literally.

 

This monologue would most likely be different in today's day and age.  However, Dolly was extremely playful and had fun with the awkward introduction.

 

Besides Dolly's witty charm throughout the show, her vocals and stage presence were electric during her performance of "Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That."  This country crossover pop hit was just beginning to climb the charts. The song was released in anticipation of her new album, “White Limozeen” which arrived in record stores in May of 1989. Ricky Skaggs helped produce this album for Dolly.  I got chills watching her performance!

It's obvious that I was not around during Dolly Parton's SNL debut. But, I still really appreciated watching the throwback episode over the weekend!

 

So if any writer from Saturday Night Live is reading this, when can Miss Dolly visit this iconic stage to host and perform again? She needs to grace this show with her presence at least one more time!

Who's your favorite country artist that's hosted or performed on Saturday Night Live?

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