Dolly Parton’s Three Iowa State Fair Shows Drew 6,100 and 8,200 Fans in Des Moines, With One Review Calling Her 1977 Set Studio-Perfect

DES MOINES, IA — Dolly Parton made three memorable trips to the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, leaving behind big crowds and even bigger praise. Her visits stretched from 1970 to 1982, and the fair became one of the places where her stage presence clearly stood out.

Parton died Tuesday at age 80. Looking back at her fair appearances shows how quickly she went from performing alongside Porter Wagoner and Faron Young to headlining on her own and drawing thousands of fans in Des Moines.

How Her Fair Story Started

Parton first appeared at the Grandstand in 1970 with Porter Wagoner, Faron Young and The Deputies. That early booking put her on one of the Iowa State Fair’s biggest stages long before she became the solo star audiences later came to see.

She returned in 1977 for a solo performance with her eight-piece band, Gypsy Fever, and drew more than 6,100 people. The Des Moines Register review from that night called it “a rarity — a studio-perfect outdoor performance,” praising the precision of the show even in a huge open-air setting.

The review also highlighted songs such as “Jolene,” “Tennessee Mountain Home,” “My Coat of Many Colors” and “Apple Jack,” which helped create what the writer described as a perfectly satisfying evening.

Why The 1977 Show Stood Out

The Register’s review compared the concert to exactly the kind of meal fans hoped for: just right, familiar and deeply enjoyable. The writer said the performance was not surprising, but that was part of the charm. It delivered what the audience expected from Parton and then some.

That sense of polish helped make the 1977 appearance one of the most remembered in her Iowa fair history. It also showed how well her music translated to a live crowd, even outdoors, where small details can make or break a performance.

In 1982, Parton returned again and drew 8,200 fans. The Register said she “thrilled a crowd” with songs, comedy and “high-class entertainment,” then closed the night with two standing ovations.

The Crowd Response In 1982

That final fair appearance brought back favorites like “Jolene” and “My Coat of Many Colors,” along with “Baby I’m Leaving,” “Two Doors Down” and “Love is Like a Butterfly.” The applause, according to the review, was long and loud.

Across her three Iowa State Fair appearances, Parton built a small but vivid chapter in Grandstand history. The numbers tell part of the story, but the reviews show something else: fans and critics both saw a performer who could fill a huge venue and still make it feel personal.

For many fairgoers, those shows were a reminder of why Parton became such a lasting live act. She brought hit songs, humor and a polished band to a setting built for big crowds, and Des Moines gave her a warm reception each time she returned.

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