Dolly Parton was the legendary queen of country music, but she was also an iconic movie star with a stage presence that remains unmatched. Every time she appears on screen, her personality would bloom effortlessly. It isn’t a surprise that all attention immediately went to her radiating energy. Here is a look back at some of Dolly Parton’s most iconic performances of all time.
6. Joyful Noise (2012)
Alongside Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer, Dolly Parton starred in ‘Joyful Noise’. She played the role of G.G. Sparrow, a small-town woman determined to lead her struggling gospel choir to victory. The film was obviously packed with signature Dolly Parton humour and music, but it also offered a rare chance to see an older Parton simply having fun with her role.
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5. Rhinestone (1984)
Dolly Parton starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rhinestone’, a comedy about a struggling country singer who vows to turn a coarse New York City cabby into a country star. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but Parton’s songs were a gold standard. “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “God Won’t Get You” both became top 10 hits at the time and are still some of her best songs.
4. Straight Talk (1992)
In 1992, Dolly Parton returned to the silver screen alongside James Wood in ‘Straight Talk’. Although the comedy received mixed reviews, there cannot be enough praise for Parton’s performance. She played Shirlee, a country girl whose folksy wisdom turns her into Chicago’s most popular radio advice giver. As corny as it sounds, Parton played the role with a very unique charm.
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3. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
This 1982 movie saw Dolly Parton in the role of Mona Stangley, a proprietress of a brothel. She earned a Golden Globe nomination, though later she described the filming experience as a “miserable, spirit-numbing ordeal” in her memoir. Her performance was phenomenal nevertheless. It was for this movie that Parton recorded her iconic song “I Will Always Love You”, along with another number called “Sneakin’ Around”.
2. Steel Magnolias (1989)
This movie was one of the most beautiful celebrations of female friendships and an ultimate tearjerker. Once again, Parton shined brightly in a female ensemble cast, alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts. She played the role of Truvy Jones, the town’s gossip centre and an unofficial therapist for the ladies.
1. 9 to 5 (1980)
When she was already a legendary country music figure for a decade, Parton made her theatrical film debut as Doralee Rhodes in ‘9 to 5’. Her chemistry with Jane Fonda and Lili Tomlin, particularly the bond between the female characters, stands out most in this film. The performances earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The theme song Parton wrote for the movie also earned an Oscar and Grammy nomination.
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