3 min readRest in peace to Dolly Parton, one of the few people on the planet we can say is truly universally loved without it being even the slightest exaggeration.
On Tuesday, August 25, the music legend’s family released a statement announcing that she had passed, and the tributes rightly flooded in. Parton was known for writing some of the greatest songs of the 20th century—not least “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5”—and her music resonated with people from all walks of life all over the world.
However, some may not know that Parton also enjoyed a career as an actress. Though she starred in just under ten films across her career, each was memorable in its own right. We’ve picked out our three favorites on the Esquire team that we think you should give a watch (or rewatch, even) to pay tribute to the music industry’s most lovable icon.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
A truly crowd-pleasing, lovable, emotional family melodrama for the ages, Steel Magnolias features one of the most impressive ensemble casts you could find in the late 1980s, with each cast member giving their very best (especially an early-career Julia Roberts, who received her first Oscar nomination for the role). Parton plays Truvy Jones, who runs a beauty salon out of her home (and is also the town gossip). She’s hilarious, lovable, and unmistakably Dolly.
Be careful, because this one proves to be quite the tearjerker: The film follows a group of women in a small southern town and how their bond is tested, and strengthened, when tragedy strikes. It’s a little on the sentimental side, but if you love a warming but sad family drama with a few laughs to spare, then Steel Magnolias will be right up your alley.
Joyful Noise (2012)
Well, if Dolly Parton was best known for her music, it should come as no surprise that one of her last major theatrical film roles was in a musical. Joyful Noise stars the late singer alongside Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, and Jeremy Jordan. It tells the story of two strong-minded but very different women with conflicting visions for their small-town choir, who have to cooperate when budget cuts threaten to shut down the whole group.
It’s a little corny, it’s a little cheesy, and it’s wholly delightful to watch. Latifah and Parton have fantastic chemistry, and the musical numbers are incredibly fun. If you’re a musical lover or dedicated Dolly fan, this one is definitely worth checking out.
9 to 5 (1980)
Oh please, did you think we’d make a list of Dolly Parton film recommendations without including her definitive work? Possibly her magnum opus? Perhaps that’s a stretch, but 9 to 5 is arguably what propelled Dolly Parton to legend status.
The office-based comedy stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as three working women who seek to take revenge against their company’s bigoted vice president. It’s ridiculous, hilarious, feel-good, and wildly ahead of its time—and, obviously, produced one of Parton’s most iconic tracks. All it took was the click of an acrylic.
