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The inimitable country legend Dolly Parton died today, August 25, at age 80.
This is a big loss—Parton was a household name, a celebrated singer-songwriter, a savvy businesswoman, an amusement park founder, a philanthropist with a big heart and so much more.
She was also a formidable actress in her own right, with dozens of credits under her name across TV and cinema, from cameos (1993’s The Beverly Hillbillies and Hannah Montana), to starring roles (9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias). To honor her life, we’re rounding up eight films she appeared in (one representing each decade of her life) so you can have your own Dolly Parton marathon.
9 to 5 (1980)
Perhaps her most celebrated film, 9 to 5 is about three women who turn the tables on their obnoxious boss. Parton plays one of the women, Doralee Rhodes, and provided the much-loved theme song.
Rent it on YouTube, Prime Video and Fandango
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
Parton played Mona Stangley in this musical comedy film also starring Burt Reynolds, Jim Nabors, Charles Durning and Dom DeLuise. Miss Mona runs a Texas brothel called the Chicken Ranch, which has been protected by the sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd (because of his past with Miss Mona), until reporter Melvin Thorpe (Dom DeLuise) exposes the arrangement threatening a shut down.
Rent it on YouTube, Prime Video and Fandango
Rhinestone (1984)
Famous country singer Jake Farris (Dolly Parton) makes a bet that she can turn anyone into a successful country music star, specifically NYC cab driver Nick Martinelli (Sylvester Stallone). She takes him to her Tennessee hometown to teach him how to walk, talk and sing country.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Parton plays beauty salon owner Truvy Jones in this classic story about the close-knit relationships between six ordinary Southern women, living in a small town in Louisiana.
Watch it on Paramount+ and Roku or rent it on YouTube, Prime Video and Fandango
Straight Talk (1992)
Small-town dance instructor Shirlee (Parton) leaves everything behind to move to Chicago. She becomes an on-air advice guru by accident and falls in love with a newspaper reporter who set out to woo and expose her.
Rent it on YouTube, Prime Video and Fandango
Joyful Noise (2012)
This musical dramedy starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan is about two strong-minded women who reluctantly work together to stop their small-town choir from getting shut down due to budget cuts. Parton plays G.G. Sparrow, the director's widow and the church’s main benefactor.
Watch it on Roku or rent it on YouTube, Prime Video and Fandango
Hollywood to Dollywood (2011)
This is a documentary directed by John Lavin that follows identical twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane on a cross-country trip to deliver a movie script to their idol, Dolly Parton. It features interviews and appearances by Parton herself as well as 17 of her songs.
Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020)
Parton appears as a magical, rhinestone-wearing angel (her true self) in this holiday film about a rich woman (Regina Fuller played by Christine Baranski), who goes back to her small hometown to evict everyone and sell the land she owns to build a shopping mall before Christmas Eve. Parton’s angel helps Regina find her Christmas spirit. The film contains original songs and lyrics written by Parton. It would be a great addition to you holiday viewing this year.
Watch it on Netflix or rent it on YouTube, Fandango and Prime Video