Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a solid-state pinball machine from 1979, designed by George Christian with artwork by Dave Christensen and manufactured by Bally, which produced a confirmed 7,350 units. As a licensed celebrity title, it brings together two worlds: country music and pinball. The game arrived during Bally's run of celebrity-licensed solid-state machines, built on the Bally AS-2518-35 MPU.

Gameplay-wise, Dolly Parton offers a solid array of features for its era. Players can enjoy two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, and seven stand-up targets, along with a kick-out hole and 4-in-line drop targets. A spinning target adds an element of unpredictability to gameplay. Additionally, a rollover in the middle right playfield scores 5,000 points and returns the ball to the shooter lane, facilitating continuous play.

The machine's design and art reflect its music theme, with a vibrant, colorful layout that pays homage to the iconic country singer. The licensing process was reportedly a tricky one: Parton was crossing over from country to pop at the time, and the backglass artwork was changed from a country theme to a more mainstream crossover look, while the completed playfield kept her in her denim "country" outfit. Its place as a late-1970s solid-state Bally with a licensed music theme makes it an appealing addition to any collection or game room.