Renowned country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away recently at the age of 80, remains an indelible figure in the music industry, celebrated not only for her extensive catalogue of songs but also for her graciousness and support of fellow artists. One memorable moment came during the 2006 Academy Awards, when she was among the nominees for Best Original Song alongside the hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia.
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Parton’s song “Travelin’ Thru” from the film *Transamerica* was competing against the rap trio’s “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp,” both of which were up for the prestigious award that year. The category also featured “In the Deep” from *Crash*, which ultimately won Best Picture that night.
When Six 3 Mafia’s victory was announced, the audience was taken aback as it marked a significant milestone: the first time a hip-hop group had secured the Oscar for Best Original Song. In an unexpected twist, Dolly Parton, even as a nominee, was visibly jubilant, cheering for the group from her seat. This display of sportsmanship was a testament to her dedication to her home state of Tennessee.
In a recent conversation on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J reflected on Parton’s warm reaction to their victory. He detailed an interaction with her after the Oscars, noting, “She sent us a letter and signed it. And it said, ‘Congratulations and I’m glad somebody from Tennessee won the Oscar.’” This gesture showed that regardless of the competitive nature of the awards, Parton always cherished the pride of her roots.
The win for Three 6 Mafia was not lost on Craig Brewer, the writer and director of their award-winning film *Hustle & Flow*. In an interview with *The New York Times*, Brewer reminisced about the moment, stating: “It just felt that somehow Memphis had infiltrated Hollywood.” He expressed that their triumph felt particularly significant, remarking on the rivalry between Memphis and Nashville, where Parton is famously associated. “We were up against Dolly Parton that year. She was who we all adore, but there’s always a little bit of a Memphis-Nashville rivalry,” he said with a laugh.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly Parton garnered numerous accolades, including an Emmy, 11 Grammy Awards, and two Academy Award nominations, in addition to receiving an honorary Oscar. She was one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year award, and in 1999, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In a retrospective cover story with *PEOPLE* magazine ahead of her milestone 80th birthday, Parton reflected on her life’s journey. She shared her intentions and impact on the industry, stating, “I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on. I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.”
Parton acknowledged the fast pace of her career and remarked on the sacrifices she made along the way. “I really realised when I was putting this book together just how much I had sacrificed in my life. I never had children, so at least I didn’t have a guilty feeling,” she pointed out. Despite her commitments, she expressed gratitude for the realisation of her dreams.
Dolly Parton’s legacy extends beyond her music; she embodied kindness and support within the industry, famously uplifting other young artists and taking pride in those who represented their roots on grand stages. The unexpected yet heartwarming cheer for Three 6 Mafia at the Oscars serves as a reminder of her generous spirit and undying love for her Tennessee heritage.
As fans and colleagues continue to celebrate her life, Dolly Parton leaves an enduring impression on both country music and the cultural fabric of Tennessee. Her influence will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, as her songs and messages of hope remain a source of comfort and inspiration.