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10/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2026 10:39

Watch 'Remembering Dolly Parton' Category Stump Contestants On 'Jeopardy!': 'This Is Embarrassing'

Dolly Parton fans would've cleared this entire category on Jeopardy!

The classic game show featured a category called 'Remembering Dolly Parton' in honor of the beloved legend on Wednesday night (September 30). However, some of the statements stumped the contestants, and fans took to social media to express their disappointment.

Host Ken Jennings read the $1,200 clue: "Part of Dolly's motivation to open Dollywood in this town near where she grew up was to celebrate regional culture."

The contestant, Justin, responded correctly.

Another contestant selected 'Remembering Dolly Parton' for $800.

"In 1980, Dolly made her big screen acting debut in this film; almost 30 years later, she wrote the songs for the Broadway musical," Jennings read.

The contestants, Justin, Ben and Kristin, were stumped. Jennings revealed the correct response after their time to buzz in ran out.

Justin selected 'Remembering Dolly Parton' for $1,600, the last Daily Double in the game. Jennings noted, "it's a tight game, but I remember you three didn't know 9 to 5. What do you want to wager? 'Remembering Dolly Parton.'" Justin opted to wager $3,000.

"Inspired by a patchwork garment that her mother made for her from rags, Dolly wrote this song, a personal favorite," Jennings read the clue.

Justin guessed, "what is 'Jolene?'"

"No," Jennings replied as he revealed the correct response.

"One of Dolly's proudest accomplishments was establishing her book-gifting program with this two-word name," Jennings read the 'Remembering Dolly Parton,' $2,000 clue. Justin gave the correct response.

The final clue in the category for $400 was, "Dolly's rise to fame began after she partnered with Porter Wagoner; going solo, she left him with this now-classic song."

Kristin buzzed in "what is 'Jolene?,'" which was incorrect. Justin followed with the correct response.

Some commenters on Instagram couldn't believe the lack of knowledge about the beloved icon. They wrote, "these people had me nearly throwing my phone against the wall," "highly disappointed in these folks not knowing [these facts about Parton]," "they in fact did NOT remember Dolly Parton," "tough to watch," "disappointed in tonight's contestants," "the lack of Dolly knowledge is unfortunate and embarrassing," "my favorite part is Ken shading them for not knowing [one of the responses]," and more. Fans also expressed their excitement for knowing the answers. One wrote that this is "the only time I have swept a Jeopardy category."

Parton "died peacefully" on August 25 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to an official announcement. She was 80. Her representatives later added in a statement to PEOPLE, "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones." Parton was laid to rest beside husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. He was 82. Many have honored Parton with emotional tributes since her passing.

Watch the 'Remembering Dolly Parton' category on Jeopardy! here, and scroll below to reveal the correct responses (warning: spoilers).

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