American Songwriter has put together a list of six standout country songs celebrating their 46th anniversary this year, all originally released in 1980. The selection spans both original compositions and notable covers, reflecting a strong year for the genre that produced enduring hits still celebrated by fans and critics today.

The featured tracks are Dolly Parton's "9 To 5", Merle Haggard's "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink" (his 26th No. 1, spending three months on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart), Emmylou Harris's cover of "The Boxer", George Jones's career-defining "He Stopped Loving Her Today", Dottie West's "A Lesson In Leavin'", and Willie Nelson's cover of "Midnight Rider", recorded for The Electric Horsemen film soundtrack.

– Dolly Parton's "9 To 5" opens the list as an enduring workplace anthem.
– Merle Haggard's "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink" was his 26th No. 1 hit.
– Emmylou Harris covered Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" on her album Roses In The Snow.
– George Jones's "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is considered one of country's greatest songs.
– Dottie West's "A Lesson In Leavin'" remains the definitive version despite later covers.
– Willie Nelson closed the list with his cover of the Allman Brothers' "Midnight Rider".