It’s impossible to exaggerate the influence that Dolly Parton had on American culture and the world at large over the course of her six-decade career. The Tennessee-born icon died this week at the age of 80, as announced by her family via social media. And while Parton was perhaps best known as the musical artist behind such hits as “9 to 5,” “A Coat of Many Colors,” and “Jolene,” her talents and interests reached far beyond her vocal range.
Parton was a beloved actor in films like Steel Magnolias, a successful entrepreneur, a dedicated philanthropist, and so much more to fans worldwide. Her work could keep you in good spirits just as easily as it could bring a tear to your eye. And with dozens of albums, movies, and TV appearances under her rhinestone-studded belt — along with 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, two Oscar nominations, and a Tony nomination to her name — it’s no wonder she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. If you’re feeling very “I Will Always Love You” about Miss Dolly, check out these series and movies that shine a light on her legacy.
This eight-episode anthology series, executive produced by Parton, reimagines some of the singer’s most well-known songs as heartfelt, funny tales of nostalgia, connection, and acceptance — with a couple that feature cameos from Parton. The first episode, “Jolene,” brings to life the Parton classic about a woman begging her auburn-haired friend Jolene to “please not take my man,” while “Cracker Jack” (which borrows its title from Parton’s song about a beloved pup best friend) reunites four old friends who reminisce over time lost and maybe rebuild what they once had.
A Christmas-themed musical with original holiday tunes from Parton herself? Even Santa Claus would have trouble keeping up with this much holiday spirit. When the wealthy Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) returns to her idyllic hometown to evict the residents and sell the land off to an evil mall developer, it’s up to the townspeople, including Parton as the Angel, to change her mind and help her small heart grow three times its size to save Christmas.
As a country music icon, Parton has her fair share of fans and supporters, including a host of other artists and celebrities looking to celebrate her decades in the spotlight. In this tribute to the singer’s extraordinary legacy, her fellow performers — including Miley Cyrus (Parton’s goddaughter), Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, and Willie Nelson — join together for a musical salute, with new spins on Parton classics and plenty of heartfelt appreciation for Dolly and her decades of songs.
Directed by Anne Fletcher and starring Danielle Macdonald, Dumplin’ is a coming-of-age comedy based on Julie Murphy’s 2015 novel of the same name. Willowdean Dickson (Macdonald), nicknamed Dumplin’ by her former beauty queen mother, Rosie (Jennifer Aniston), is in her senior year of high school in her small town in Texas. After her beloved Aunt Lucy dies, Willowdean agrees to participate in one of her mother’s pageants out of protest, only to end up changing her fellow contestants’ lives forever. Featuring original songs by Parton, whose legacy plays a huge (spoiler-filled) part in the film, Dumplin’ is a self-love story with a drag queen twist.
“I know who I am, and I don’t try to be anybody else. And if that ain’t good enough for you, too bad,” Parton says at the top of her 20-minute episode of The PEOPLE Interview. “But I can walk into any room knowing I’m going in as myself. And that’ll just have to do.” In this candid discussion, Parton reflects on her storied childhood, her celebrated career, her respect for herself, and her love for her fans.
