Parton started her performing career as a young girl, singing on East Tennessee community radio and television shows. She had already appeared on The Cas Walker Show, which aired simultaneously on WIVK Radio and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, by the time the clock struck ten.
She began recording (the single “Puppy Love”) at the age of thirteen for a little company named Goldband Records in Louisiana. Additionally, she sang at the Grand Ole Opry, where she first saw Johnny Cash, who urged her to follow her professional instincts. Her debut album, Born to Run, which she published at the age of fourteen, was followed by the single “Puppy Love.”

Parton received an invitation to join country music performer and guitarist Porter Wagoner’s organization in 1967. In addition, he gave her a position in his touring show and a regular role on his weekly syndicated television show, The Porter Wagoner Show.
According to Dolly Parton’s 1994 book, at first, a sizable section of Wagoner’s audience was unhappy that Norma Jean, the singer Parton had replaced, had left the show and was reluctant to welcome Parton (often calling out loudly for Norma Jean from the crowd).

When Parton started making appearances on the show, this was the situation. Wagoner’s assistance, though, helped Parton get admitted into the program. Wagoner was successful in getting her signed to RCA Victor, his record label. RCA decided that Wagoner’s debut record as a duet would be the best way to protect their investment.
Published around the close of 1967, this song was a version of “The Last Thing on My Mind” by Tom Paxton. It entered the country charts’ Top 10 in January 1968. This was the first of the two songs that went on to become Top 10 hits in six almost straight weeks.

The first solo song that Dolly Parton recorded for RCA Victor was “Just Because I’m a Woman.” When it was released in the summer of 1968, it peaked at number 17 on the charts and was a moderate hit. Not even “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad),” which would go on to become a classic, was as well-liked as her duets with Wagoner throughout the next two years.