Album Review: Dolly Parton, A Holly Dolly Christmas

In her 1990s TV Special “Dolly Parton’s Home for Christmas,” Dolly says Christmas is a state of mind.  Imagine my delight when I heard she was dropping her first Christmas album in 30 years - during a global pandemic. It was a rare moment in 2020 when my mind was flooded with hope and joy, further proving that Dolly Parton’s timing is impeccable. Suddenly, the holiday season looked a lot less bleak. Thanks Dolly!

On my first listen to A Holly Dolly Christmas, I was like a kid at Christmas! The album is a mix of classics like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, as well as originals like “Circle of Love” and “Christmas On The Square”. It also features an impressive slew of guests ranging from obvious choices like Dolly’s God-daughter Miley Cyrus, to the not-so-obvious but oh-so-delightful choice of Jimmy Fallon. The songs are packed with heart, charm, and the Dolly-isms we’ve come to know and love.

While I ate this entire album up, there were a few standouts for me. It starts off with the slightly altered title track, and while I wish the song were titled “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” Dolly never disappoints. She puts her own Smoky Mountain spin on it with a theatrical bluegrass/rock feel and pulls out all of the stops! Dolly joyously talks over musical riffs (which she calls “sweeter than Christmas candy”), does an angelic hum out of nowhere, breaks into monologue about why she decided to do this album which ends on a laugh and an emphatic “yeeeeah!” I’m also 99% sure she snuck in “Dolly” in place of “Jolly” multiple times.

“Christmas On The Square” has an undeniably joyful vibe that reminds me of community and celebrating. It made me yearn for the day I can see live music in Nashville again. Plus, when someone starts singing about food my ears and stomach perk up! I was very much a fan of the verse that just lists everything they’d eat, and it reminded me of my Childhood journal entries of me doing the same exact thing. “Christmas On The Square” also has that true old school Dolly vibe reminiscent of early hits like “Apple Jack”, and it felt like coming home. It is worth noting that Christmas on the Square is also the title of Dolly’s original Netflix Holiday musical that stars Christine Baranski, Jennifer Lewis, and Treat Williams! It’s almost like she knew we wanted more, and gave it to us before we even realized it.

While not many musicians dare touch “All I Want For Christmas Is You” because . . . Mariah . . . leave it to Dolly to take this iconic song and make it her own. Dolly and Jimmy Fallon really amped up the playfulness of this song, which works surprisingly well as a duet, and the fun and flirtation is palpable. I was hooked from the moment they declared their love to each other in the intro. One of my favourite details was how the banjo and fiddle sneak up on you in a delightful way. Much like with “I Will Always Love You”, both versions are beautiful in their own way that it’s hard to compare them. The complete departure from one another allows the listener to hear the song with a new appreciation.

The duets are all perfect, unique pairings. The flirtation between Dolly and Jimmy is nothing compared to “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” with Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. Oozing with charisma, charm, and some consensual innuendo, the chemistry is undeniable. The official music video, which features a stylized and animated Dolly and Michael, has a nostalgic feel reminiscent of animated Holiday specials from the past. Both the song and music video will leave you smiling from start to finish!

However, perhaps the best pairing is Willie Nelson and Dolly’s duet of “Pretty Paper.” Anytime Dolly and Willie link up is magic. I’ve always been a fan of the original - it has simple, beautiful lyrics but hints at heartbreak in a way only old country songs can. That type of storytelling that lets your imagination runs wild has always held a special place in my heart, and the combination of their voices and styles really made this song my personal favourite.

I could go on for hours because, like all things Dolly, this album contains multitudes, but I’ll spare you. Still, let’s be honest, would you expect anything less from this incredible woman? She’s built an empire, touching millions of hearts along the way. She continues to spread hope, inspiration, love and equality in the pandemic. If you need a little more joy in these very dark and trying times, I guarantee this album will put a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and make the World feel full of love and good if for one brief moment. No matter how big and scary everything seems right now, Dolly makes everyone feel confident everything is going to be okay.

The light of a clear blue morning is ahead, and in the meantime, have a Holly Dolly Christmas and Happy Dollydays, y’all!

A Holly Dolly Christmas was released October 2, 2020 on Butterfly Records.
Listen to it here.

The official music video for Dolly Parton and Michael Bublé's song "Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas"