An American Songwriter piece highlights three upbeat Dolly Parton songs, written as a tribute following her recent death, that stand out for their energy against the more famous ballads in her catalogue. The article frames Parton's legacy as spanning far beyond emotional tracks like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," pointing instead to the danceable, glitter-and-guitar side of her songwriting.

The three tracks named are "Two Doors Down" (1978), a country pop hit that turns heartbreak into optimism; "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That," the lead single from her 1989 album White Limozeen and her 22nd US country No. 1; and "9 to 5," written for the 1980 film of the same name, which became her only solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The piece notes Parton created the song's distinctive rhythm by tapping her acrylic fingernails together, a sound also used as percussion on the recording.