Dolly Parton was one of those rare artists whose influence could never be contained to a single stage, screen or song. A gifted singer and once-in-a-generation songwriter, she turned deeply personal stories of love, heartbreak, ambition and life in the Tennessee mountains into music that resonated around the world. Songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You” became enduring standards, while Parton’s warmth, wit and unmistakable voice made her a cultural icon.
Her legacy reached far beyond music. Parton brought her natural charisma to movies and television, built Dollywood into a celebrated family destination and helped give millions of books to children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through it all, she remained closely associated with the generosity, humor and plainspoken wisdom that defined both her public persona and her work.
The singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist died Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80. She leaves behind a body of work that spans generations and genres — and a reminder that enormous ambition and genuine kindness can share the same spotlight.
Celebrate Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life and career with some of her most memorable songs, movies and television appearances.
Listen to Dolly Parton’s essential songs
From the aching storytelling of “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” to the working-day energy of “9 to 5,” Parton’s songs could be tender, funny, defiant and deeply personal. This Rolling Stone Spotify playlist brings together some of the recordings that helped make her one of the most influential songwriters and performers in country music history.
Essential Dolly Parton movies and TV shows
Parton brought the same warmth, humor and plainspoken wisdom found in her music to the screen. Below is a curated watch list celebrating the performances and television appearances that helped define another side of her remarkable career.
‘9 to 5’ (1980)
Parton made her major film debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in this workplace comedy about three women taking on their overbearing boss. As the warm but underestimated Doralee Rhodes, Parton proved she was a natural screen presence. She also wrote and performed the movie’s unforgettable title song, which earned an Academy Award nomination and two GRAMMY Awards.
‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ (1982)
Opposite Burt Reynolds, Parton stars as Miss Mona, the charming and strong-willed proprietor of a Texas brothel threatened by a crusading television personality. The musical comedy gave Parton a leading role that played to her strengths, blending humor, heart and music — including a moving new version of “I Will Always Love You.”
‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989)
Parton joined Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts in this beloved story about friendship, family and resilience in a small Louisiana town. As beauty shop owner Truvy Jones, she delivers some of the film’s funniest lines while giving its close-knit group of women a welcoming place to gather.
‘Straight Talk’ (1992)
In this romantic comedy, Parton plays Shirlee Kenyon, a small-town woman who moves to Chicago and unexpectedly becomes a popular radio advice host. Her humor and easy sincerity make Shirlee’s unlikely rise believable, while the role showcases the down-to-earth wisdom that audiences associated with Parton herself.
‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ (2015)
Inspired by Parton’s childhood and one of her most personal songs, this television movie follows the young Dolly and her family through hardship in rural Tennessee. Parton serves as narrator, lending her voice and perspective to a story about faith, family and finding richness in what money cannot buy.
‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings’ (2019)
Each episode of this anthology series brings a different Dolly Parton song to life, turning favorites such as “Jolene,” “Two Doors Down” and “These Old Bones” into standalone stories. Parton introduces every installment and appears in select episodes, offering fans a closer look at the characters, emotions and experiences behind her songwriting.
‘The Porter Wagoner Show’
Parton became a nationally recognized performer after joining The Porter Wagoner Show in 1967. Her appearances introduced viewers to her soaring voice, sparkling personality and memorable duets with Wagoner, helping lay the foundation for the solo career that would make her a country music legend.
Dolly Parton leaves behind a body of work as colorful, compassionate and original as the woman herself. Across music, movies and television, she made audiences laugh, offered comfort and reminded generations that kindness and ambition could share the same stage.
Watch these Dolly Parton movies and TV shows on DIRECTV.
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