Dolly Parton

With over 100 million records sold globally, Dolly Parton ranks second in sheer sales but first in prolific songwriting, having authored over 3,000 songs including the timeless Jolene and I Will Always Love You. She holds the record for the most number one hits on the Billboard country charts by a female artist, with 25 chart-toppers—a feat that outperforms any other woman on this list. Parton's 2016 Netflix series and her donation of $1 million for COVID-19 research demonstrate a warm, enduring relevance that extends far beyond music.