Top 10 Dolly Parton Funeral Songs

With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Dolly Parton has a discography that can speak to many in times of grief and loss. Her songs often reflect love, resilience, and spirituality - themes that can resonate at a funeral service. Here are ten Dolly Parton songs for funerals, along with their significance and lyrics, that could be considered appropriate for such an occasion:

10. Coat of Many Colors (1971)

The first song on our list of Dolly Parton funeral songs is"Coat of Many Colors", a touching song about a childhood memory, representing love, poverty, and family ties. At a funeral, it could evoke shared memories and the value of love over material things. The lyric, "But I made so much love that I was rich," underscores this sentiment.

9. I Will Always Love You (1974)

"I Will Always Love You" is a poignant song about enduring love and saying goodbye. Its heartfelt message can resonate deeply at a funeral, providing comfort in the promise of everlasting love.

The line, "And I will always love you, I will always love you," affirms this enduring bond. Our second pick for Dolly Parton songs for funerals that could symbolise the love you have for the departed. If you need help choosing the right song, discuss it with your funeral director, who can help you. 

8. Eagle When She Flies (1991)

"Eagle When She Flies" is a tribute to strong, loving women. It could be fitting for a funeral of a woman who lived with strength and grace. The lyric, "She's been there, God knows, she's been there, But she's an eagle when she flies," symbolises resilience and spirit.

7. In The Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad) (1969)

An excellent option on our Dolly Parton funeral songs list is "In The Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)" which reflects on past struggles and the strength to overcome them. It can serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the departed. The line, "No amount of money could buy from me the memories that I have of them," emphasises the value of shared experiences.

6. Little Sparrow (2001)

"Little Sparrow" is a haunting ballad about the fragility and vulnerability of life. It can evoke feelings of loss and longing at a funeral, with the lyric, "Little sparrow, little sparrow, Precious fragile little thing, Little sparrow, little sparrow, Flies so high and feels no pain," capturing this sentiment.

5. My Tennessee Mountain Home (1973)

"My Tennessee Mountain Home" is a nostalgic song that harks back to simpler times. It might be suitable for a funeral or cremation of someone who cherished their roots and the simpler joys of life. 

The line, "In my Tennessee mountain home, Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh," provides a comforting image of peace and tranquillity. Another great option if you are looking for Dolly Parton songs for funerals. 

4. God's Coloring Book (1977)

"God's Coloring Book" is a spiritual song that reflects on the beauty of nature as a manifestation of divine creation. At a funeral, it could offer comfort and a sense of connection with the larger universe. The lyric, "You're God's coloring book," encapsulates this feeling of divine interconnectedness.

3. When Someone Wants to Leave (1974)

"When Someone Wants to Leave" deals with letting go of someone who wishes to leave. It can echo the feelings of mourners who must come to terms with their loss.

The line, "When someone wants to leave, as much as you want them to stay, You can't go on holding them," speaks directly to this painful reality.

2. Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You (1980)

"Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" is a song about enduring love. It can provide comfort at a funeral by reminding mourners of the undying love they hold for the departed. 

The lyric, "But you outshine all I've ever seen," can reflect the unique and irreplaceable nature of the departed and is a good pick on our list of Dolly Parton funeral songs..

1. "Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away" (1978)

"Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away" is a spiritual song about seeking comfort and guidance in prayer. Its message can be soothing at a funeral, bringing peace to those grieving.

The line, "When you're down and out, lift up your hands and doubt, for heaven is just a prayer away," suggests the power of faith in navigating grief and loss.