Dolly Parton debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart with her new album "Backwoods Barbie, " which marks a first in her career: The CD was released on her own label, Dolly Records, as she joined a growing list of artists who own their own record companies.

"I'm looking at it like an investment," she told the Associated Press. "I thought, 'I've made enough money. I can afford to invest a little in myself.'"

Dolly, who's currently GAC's Artist of the Month, hears her name mentioned frequently by younger artists. She was an inspiration to Shania Twain and to newcomer Kellie Pickler. But Dolly is still going after the music business aggressively because she believes she can continue to make a difference in the lives of the people who hear her.

"I don't want to wait until I'm dead for my music to become important," she said. "I want it to happen while I'm living, because I'm living it every day."

Dolly is slated to appear as a celebrity mentor this season on "American Idol." She'll be on the show April 1-2.