The Cinema of Dolly Parton

[@jamestyler7697]

I've read multiple accounts from different sources about filming Steel Magnolias and how the women were all complaining about having to film in the Louisiana heat and usually in heavy thick outfits, and either Julia Roberts or Sally Field went up to Dolly who was sitting contently by herself and asked her "Dolly aren't you so hot in this heat, why aren't you complaining?" to which Dolly allegedly said "Well, sure, darlin'. It's hot, but I won't complain about a little heat. When I was a little girl, I wanted so badly to be in the movies. And I promised myself that if I ever got here, I wouldn’t complain."

[@_ma1]

It was Julia Roberts. Julia mentioned it on Oprah, she also said that after Dolly said that, she was embarrased and stopped complaining.

[@AthenaeusGreenwood]

As Katherine Hepburn said: "Never complain; never explain."

[@jamestyler7697]

@@_ma1 Ah ok I see - yes, I first read it in Patricia Fripp's book as an anecdote and in that it was Sally Field but then when I went for the actual quote it was said to be Julia. Thanks!

[@MasseurDavis]

👏👍👏👍👏👍

[@prettypleasewithsugarontop4858]

That makes me love her so much more

[@barakasalumu657]

One thing I’ve always admired about Ms Parton is that she’s a true “girl’s girl”. She’s always leapt at the chance to support/be around/work with other women. She’s never felt intimidated, there’s never been stories of feuding, even within country music (I mean helloooo the Trio album!) It makes perfect sense that her best performances were in all female ensembles!

[@brandonleeaguilar]

This is why people say she’s a lesbian. (Plus admitting to sleeping with Judy,) That she has zero chemistry with Reynolds Stallone etc but really comes to life around Lily says a lot

[@pgplumsparkle]

@@brandonleeaguilar Dolly is married to a man, silly.

[@brandonleeaguilar]

@@pgplumsparkle A man who she reportedly seldom sees while sleeping with Judy in the bus, on the road, anytime they travel. Which she admitted to in her autobiography. “Staying gone,” is the secret to her 50 year marriage to a man. Many gays and lesbians are married to people of the opposite gender.

[@pgplumsparkle]

@@brandonleeaguilar sure, keep feeding yourself lies when the fact is: the reason Dolly is so happily married to a man is because she is so happily married to a man; the answer is the question.

[@Yaaassssssssss]

Well, Linda Ronstadt sued Dolly during the making of trio ii, due to delays in release, so there is some conflict, but it is business

[@th0m4s229]

“If you’re any kind of director, you’ll make it look like I’m acting.” ICONIC

[@slc2466]

Yes, Dolly related this story on "Donahue" when the film came out- always thought Dolly did a great job of being Truvy, not acting her, and that Herbert Ross missed the boat if he didn't get how great she was in the part.

[@brianr8802]

1000%! These days "iconic" is so over used, but THAT response by Dolly is most definitely ICONIC. Her career is riddled with examples of the immense confidence, courage, knowledge and love of self that I admire her for. Just so good...

[@earthdaddy]

​@@brianr8802Dolly is the epitome of the word Iconic. I fully believe with everything in my soul that if she ran for president she would not only win by a landslide, she would fix everything wrong with this country and unite people like no one has ever done before. Really, who's gonna disrespect or argue with Dolly?!

[@sunnyadams5842]

​@@earthdaddyPlease!!; Let her RUN!! We SOOO need that now!!

[@earthdaddy]

@@sunnyadams5842 honey if it was up to me she would've been in there a loooong time ago. Unfortunately the problem with politics is, the people who would be the best at it usually have no desire to have power, and the narcissistic power freaks who will say anything to get ahead do.

[@gooderambles]

The joke about Carl Dean as the best husband ever for his absence in the public limelight made me laugh out loud. Thank you.

[@Furore2323]

Came here to say this, I rocketed beer all over my desk and couldn't find air for two full minutes.

[@cinemaocd1752]

the kazoo rendition of I Will Always Love You made it for me.

[@christopherbrown5409]

Why in God's name of you find such sexism funny?

[@gooderambles]

@@christopherbrown5409 There's a big difference between Sexism and Blowing Off Steam because you're Frustrated with the Men in your life. A lot of actual sexist people will obfuscate the difference to support their harmful agenda. Don't fall for it.

[@christopherbrown5409]

@@gooderambles 1. BKR's frustrations with the men in her life have no place in anything non-autobiographical she makes for public consumption. This is a video about Dolly Parton's cinematic persona, not her personal video diary. 2. Is Carl Dean even IN her life for BKR to validly praise or condemn his silence? 3. You and I both know that BKR would be furious and cry sexism if someone ever praised a male celebrity's non-celebrity wife for gifting the world with her silence. Therefore, fuck this sexist shit and all its cosigners (like you).

[@GlamorousGamine]

I remember a review of 9 to 5 that compared Dolly Parton to Marilyn Monroe in that they had an undeniable Star quality. No matter where they were in a scene, they seemed to draw all the light towards them (helps that they’re both platinum blondes). I wonder if in a kinder world, Marilyn could’ve known the happiness Dolly does.

[@cgill914]

That’s a lovely thought. I would like to think so ❤️

[@telercoi3234]

Wow. As a huge fan of both of these lovely talented women, this comment actually made me tear up! It’s a beautiful thought

[@beautyonabarnbudget]

Dolly keeps/kept her personal life completely outta the limelight. Which is prob why she's still happily married 50yrs later! Marilyn's boyfriends, friends, husband's ect. All her relationships fact & fiction were PROMINENT in the limelight. Every Tom dick and Harry had something to say about it too. Poor Marilyn just couldn't escape the media and hounds...which was her demise imo

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

Probably not. They're fundamentally *very* different. Marilyn desperately wanted to be taken seriously as a singer and an actress, and couldn't give a damn about being popular or famous. Dolly doesn't really care about being taken "seriously" so long as her fans are happy. Their outlooks on their careers are almost polar opposites. Dolly really leans into everything that one would ever criticize about her. Marilyn really fought tooth and nail not to be taken for a gorgeous dumb blonde.

[@ksy4747]

@@Bunny-ch2ul they also had vastly different childhoods. Even though both grew up poor, Dolly had parents and alot of siblings. Sounds like she was raised with lots of love and closeness. Where do you think she got such strong confidence in herself? Never underestimate the power of having a start in life in a decent home. Whereas Marylin's childhood was all over the place, including having a mother who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. All Marylin ever craved was love from someone. It was always painfully clear. She was never secure in herself.

[@alysaurusrex2166]

Im from the same town as Dolly. The world loves Dolly. But the people of Sevierville, Tennessee LOOOOVE Dolly. And most people around town work for one of her businesses in some capacity. And she’s always been good to us. She started the imagination library here. When the area was ripped up by fires, she gave all the families affected $1000 a month for a year, she partially funded our hospital and fully funded the maternity ward, she built a senior center and called it My People. And she comes to town a few times a year and is exactly as kind and charming in person as she is in interviews.

[@MaryamofShomal]

God bless Ms. Dolly Parton 🙏🏽 She represents the best part of American culture, the American essence that goes beyond mere political stances. We are far more than just our politics, we’ve *always* been more than that, even if it doesn’t feel like that these days. Here’s hoping then, that we look to great Americans like Dolly and remember 🇺🇸

[@nocchi.9589]

“If Madonna is the Wicked Witch of pop music, Dolly Parton is surely Glinda the Good Witch.” THE WAY I HOLLERED 💀

[@falconeshield]

It's the truth!

[@vinnym5607]

But isn't Madonna's strength at times being the Wicked Witch? Worth noting that the Dolly album being reviewed was from Feb 1993, so right after Madonna's "Erotica", when Madonna was at her most hated.

[@nicholasKMAmusic]

And we stan both

[@AthenaeusGreenwood]

Chuckling at the idea of a "Wicked" re-casting

[@kevlow9494]

@@nicholasKMAmusic 👏👏

[@Windthroughcedars]

Dolly was one of the first women I remember seeing that didn’t seem to struggle being herself. Like there was no false modesty, or pretense of being “natural”, but also having such a firm separation between what she wore and her inner life . She was just unashamedly herself and proud of the way she looked, and proud of how much work she put into it. This isn’t a judgment of anyone else! Just I remember being a large chested teenager in the nineties and seeing an interview with her. It was a just such a relief. It made me feel better about wearing the shirts I liked even if they where low cut, and that didn’t make me a shallow or vapid person. I have loved her since. I think there are a lot of big busted girls in America that she helped feel a bit more comfortable in our skins. Edit:grammar

[@Siansonea]

Dolly Parton is the living embodiment of the lesson 'don't judge a book by its cover', and yet people still fail to learn that lesson. You can look any kind of way, and still be a smart, dedicated, serious, ambitious, talented, hardworking person. The appearance is just that, appearance. And Dolly wisely used her appearance very strategically throughout her career, and continues to do so. It was always a means to an end. Sure it was fun to dress up, but it was always very carefully crafted and curated. Her look is a constant in a pop culture that expects other women to undergo a yearly metamorphosis. Dolly rejected that utterly, and made it work brilliantly. She established herself as a brand, and didn't change it much at all over the years.

[@alexandrakennedy2000]

I feel exactly the same way! Sometimes, in interviews, she has this concentrated self belief and it genuinely brings tears to my eyes. Shes a force of nature in the truest sense, to me.

[@texas2079]

Exactly this! 🙂

[@RadioLaPrincess]

Agreed. I was a large chested teen (and younger, I was wearing a C cup by the time I went to jr high) and she made me feel better about myself. She made jokes about being large chested and I felt more secure.

[@dewilew2137]

Every girl needs to see a woman like that, comfortable in herself, in her femininity. The sooner, the better. Especially nowadays.

[@cinemaocd1752]

Imagine a Rolling Stone critic questioning an artist's actual humanity because they don't like that they've crossed over to a different genre. Every BKR video has at least one insane critic being outed and this is one of the worst.

[@matthewdenny9727]

Dolly seems to be a genuinely good, humble person. She donated large amounts of money for the vaccine (that you of course mentioned), waited for it to be available to everyone before receiving her own dose, and then did it publicly to encourage others to get it as well. She seems to exists in a bipartisan space, neither clearly on one side or another politically. People needed to see someone like Dolly endorse the vaccine because she doesn't feel like she has any ulterior motive beyond caring. Did not know her production company did Buffy!!!!! oh, and thank you!

[@grumpyotter]

I dated a roadie for a while and asked who all roadies hated to work for--J-lo and Taylor Swift. Who did they fight to work for? Dolly.

[@kimclark5736]

I love Dolly so much and I know she thought she was doing the right thing, but......

[@gateauxq4604]

@Kim Clark buuuuut what? Oh noes a vaccine! Panic! 🤦‍♂️

[@beckstheimpatient4135]

Dolly is wonderful, and she is ABSOLUTELY an example of straight drag. They actually had the contestants on Drag Race dress up as her recently in 'The Night of a Thousand Dolly Partons' and it was SO fun. Everyone loves Dolly.

[@1957DLT]

And all the Queens did Dolly proud. It's a shame we didn't get a real cameo from her.

[@zekec6088]

"Straight' drag? What do you mean by that

[@jerryjackson7517]

​@@zekec6088 She's the epitome of a drag queen. Straight drag is maybe not the word I would use but hes but her persona is very much a drag one

[@janedough8997]

@@zekec6088 Exaggerated performance of gender

[@zekec6088]

@@janedough8997 isn't that just... drag?

[@mattbernabe]

I've always liked Dolly. I'm not a fan of Country music, and I don't know very many of her songs, but I still like her. Her presence, persona and attitude towards everything just seems genuine. She comes across as being very likeable and real. This year, I gained a lot of respect for her for telling voters not to inducte her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her explanation was that she's not Rock and Roll, she's Country. And she said another artist or group deserves that spot rather than her. So much respect and admiration for her, especially for that.

[@emmettbattle5728]

ive been listening to her music a lot over the past few months after only knowing the normal hits. shes an amazing storyteller and is one of those singers who no matter what you feel about love or loss she has a song saying shes been there before too. she can really set a tone and make you get goosebumps!

[@TexTheBest]

do yourself a favor, listen to more of her music. she is UP THERE in american songwriters.

[@rvegas81]

For me, that's always been an issue or thing that I think hurts her career alittle bit. Other ladies were able to successfully cross over into pop. But Dolly mostly stayed in country. It's interesting hearing her say these things years later.

[@Introvertsan]

Same I have always liked her despite not being into her songs or country music and its wonderful to see her thrive

[@EmoBearRights]

Everyone knows Jolene even if you've never heard another country song.

[@domenicaausdenweiden7726]

The "photo not available" while "I'll always love you" is played on a kazoo (?) is perfect editing.

[@Krishicher]

My cousin Jeff Thomas played the Doralee husband role in 9 to 5 (scene seen here). His part was just about equal to the way we perceive her real life husband Carl Dean-supportive and loving, but essentially invisible. Their tiny scene is her best at presenting a fully realized lover. When I met her in the ‘90s, I mentioned Jeff and she was all compliments and questions as to his well being. She’s a beloved entertainer because her work is quality, and the person is quality.

[@sterlingross919]

Only you could include a newspaper article with the headline “Jane Fonda joins militant secretaries” in a video about Dolly Parton…. this is truly the greatest KZbin channel of all time. It’s the You Must Remember This of KZbin.

[@blackamerican40]

The fact that all 4 main actors from 9 to 5 are still alive is amazing and a blessing.

[@falconeshield]

They're the new golden girls

[@MaryamofShomal]

@@falconeshieldplus Golden Man! The great Dabney Coleman is still with us 🫶🏽 He was always one of my favorite “villains” in comedies back when I was growing up ☺️

[@LucyLioness100]

Well sadly now Dabney Coleman has passed away, but the ladies are still here with us

[@jadesmyspiritanimal886]

"Steel Magnolias" is one of my ultimate comfort movies. Dolly makes the movie as warm as a blanket on a rainy day. "Whorehouse" is also great and campy just enough.

[@scpatl4now]

I don't think I have ever cried as much as I did watching that movie

[@jadesmyspiritanimal886]

@@scpatl4now I generally don't cry at the movies, but the raw energy of the cemetery scene totally broke me

[@Fadeout815]

You described it perfectly! Love Dolly in that movie.

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

I know right, I have this collection of crocheted flowers and if I ever get a Magnolia pattern I'm named it either Dolly or Shirley because of the movie.

[@saraalice5244]

best little whorehouse in texas is an ICONIC movie that my momma first showed when i was in middle school and now it’s one of the few actual dvds i own. i get so excited when another person actually knows/appreciates that movie 💗

[@lindamarshall3485]

I was a young woman working in an office when 9 to 5 came out - a bunch of us from the office went to see it. And of course, it's a fantasy farce, but it also had a whole lot of "Oh, I feel seen!" moments. There were just not a lot of movies focusing on women in the workplace at that time. Or since, really.

[@WadezWyfe]

I am just a little younger, and Working Girl and Baby Boom are mine lol. We all did as we were told, got our fancy degrees, but they still wanted us to be secretaries, ahem, admin assistants.😂

[@calebcostigan2561]

Here in Tennessee we are so proud of her. She has (somehow) remained an island of tranquility in a world that currently seems to thrive on chaos. She is the class act of class acts. 💙

[@danielwall7281]

Interesting how she starts in one segment by confessing that she didn't understand how they shoot the movies (a kind of incompetence) while ending the narrative by describing herself as knowing the script better than everyone else (a competence). It's a great soft-sell. You don't even notice the brag because it's buried in self-deprecating humor.

[@geniehossain3738]

Right?? Not sure whether she comes by that incredible instinct naturally or if she had intense media training at the beginning of her Hollywood career, but whatever it was, today’s Hollywood stars could stand to learn a lot from her interview process.

[@scpatl4now]

I think the hour it took to watch this video went by faster than any KZbin video I've ever watched, and I even wish there was more. There is a reason people across the board love her. She exudes a deep and genuine kindness. Something people these days yearn for and is so hard to find. She never lost touch with who she was and where she came from. Having grown up in southeast Tennessee, I remember going to Gatlinburg when I was little and you would go right by Pidgin Forge in Sevier County and it was the proverbial one stop sign town. There was extreme poverty in the region. To look at it now is like a 180 degree turn. She brought jobs and an income to so many. Also, one of the things that people who have not been to Dollywood might not know is that she created a market for Appalachian art and crafts that were in danger of being lost which is something near and dear to my heart. She single handedly preserved a way of life and made it sustainable. When the fires devastated the area, she was first on the ground to help people recover. I just can't think of any contemporary that can match her kindness, and it's genuine. Alright, I am going to stop now, but she is unfortunately one of a kind, and we could do with a lot more people like her.

[@jenniferhanses7064]

Dolly is just a good person. I think that's why people really LOVE her. Her music is great. But what she chose to do with her fame and her money shows genuine kindness and generosity and love for other people, and that love is reciprocated by everyone she meets.

[@alpe1987]

Dolly is the living breathing example of an angel. Protect her at all cost!!!

[@garymeise673]

YES! Amen....is there anyone more truly lovely than Dolly. No way

[@madego59]

Here's my Dolly Parton story. I took my sister to see "Steel Magnolias" and when it was over I asked her if she cried. Her response? "I was doing okay until Dolly started crying...and then I lost it!"

[@thatssokeshaun301]

So interesting that Straight Talk was offered to Bette Midler. As you were describing the problems with trying to slot Dolly into traditional sexpot romcoms, my thought was she's less a Marilyn and more of a Bette Midler. I can easily see Dolly doing something like Ruthless People or First Wives Club. Of course, Bette had her own struggles finding material throughout the years.

[@manthony225]

There is a similarity between the two that I never thought about before.

[@falconeshield]

Bette recently spoke against trans people if the internet is to be believed

[@thatssokeshaun301]

@@falconeshield all the more reason for us to grab a time machine and give those roles to Dolly!

[@markleon411]

Dolly may not be a political activist but she has a very clear moral centre. She is a quiet storm. Her beliefs are understood without shouting about them.

[@Youalleatmuffins]

Very insightful.

[@Patrick3183]

Oh, this is gonna be good. Dolly was SO BEAUTIFUL in her movies. In “Texas” she looked like Mae West, in “Rhinestone” she looked like Jean Harlow. My personal favorite movie of hers is “Straight Talk”. The OST to that was very good, too.

[@vibeology9432]

Amen to all you said! I wish I could find that soundtrack to straight talk but it’s very rare.

[@Patrick3183]

@@vibeology9432 it’s on Spotify

[@PRM77]

Not the Carl Dean tribute omg i almost died! So good to have you back and more so with such a great video! I've been doing nothing but rewatch your videos on the daily

[@christopherbrown5409]

What in God's name was funny about that trifling misandry?

[@annoyingmultifandomname2217]

@@christopherbrown5409wah wah wah

[@christopherbrown5409]

@@annoyingmultifandomname2217 why TF did your bitch ass wait two years to respond, and then you typed that immature, unproductive fuckery?

[@ericwandless7966]

Why do I love Dolly Parton? Easy! She's brilliant, kind, sweet, and funny. She fights the good fight without leaving a mark. She's humble and good hearted. She's earned what she has and she knows who she is. She's an open book but still mysterious. She's also a million other things that I'm unaware of. I didn't even realize how much I appreciate her until listing her attributes just now. Thank you, Miss Parton.

[@zhisu2665]

Dolly is just a radiant person, idk how someone even in the worst of moods can look at Dolly singing or smiling and not do the same, she just has the energy of "familiarity and comfort" like you meet her for the first time and you feel like you've known her forever

[@AwakeintheAM]

thinking about your tweet where you said this is possibly your favorite video!! I got this notification, gasped and audibly said "she's crazy!!!" No wonder it's your favorite, I haven't even watched it yet and I'm beyond excited

[@yumeluna2171]

dolly parton and be kind rewind… a legendary combo that i never knew i needed🤍🤍

[@domshaheen7356]

“Up yours, buster.” Dolly is literally a treasure.

[@paulsuchy6210]

I always thought of Dolly Parton as a good sport rather than an actress, and it's to her credit that she recognized her limitations. Her humanitarian efforts are exemplary and one only wishes there were more to follow her example. A friend of mine insisted I listen to Dolly Parton's autobiography (audiobook); I said I wasn't that interested, but agreed to listen to the first half hour. I finished the entire audiobook in one sitting and would recommend it to anyone.

[@slowdancers]

Dolly Parton is such a marvelous cultural touchstone, I remember my first intro to her was her cameo in Hannah Montana when I was a kid, and just thinking that she was simply brilliant and unique; so I was thrilled to learn and discover more and more about her as I grew up (especially as a non-American!), so I just think we should all count our lucky stars that she's decided to be ever-present in all of our lives for over 50 plus years

[@lorrainegurule114]

Barbara Walters took numerous "digs" at her wig. As a woman that was low. A woman wearing a wig wants to appear natural. She was basically saying, "That's fake hair, you don't look beautiful normally, and by the way, you also look ridiculous. " Dolly Parton is beautiful in and out. Barbara Walters was attacking her ..clearly...says a lot about Barbara's dark side.

[@wrenpeach6707]

Barbara Walters was so rude and inappropriate to so many people. Looking back at how she treated people, she was absolute trash.

[@MaryamofShomal]

Barbara Walters was one of the worst “journalists” of all time. Most of her “work” was just taking digs at people, especially other women.

[@spritenoicy1676]

Hands down one of the best decisions of my life was discovering Dolly’s music. Her music actually got me into country, it made me see past all the stereotypes people have about it

[@vibeology9432]

I’m a massive dolly fan. I have 90% of her albums in my record collection.. but I really don’t care for much country outside of her. She’s just magical

[@scpatl4now]

If you want to hear something incredible, listen to her Bluegrass cover of Stairway to Heaven. It will touch your soul.

[@spritenoicy1676]

@@vibeology9432 that's what I used to think when I first started listening to her, but I find myself liking more and more country artists like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Reba. Dolly's done quite a few amazing collaborations with other female country artists if you wanna dig deeper :)

[@vibeology9432]

@@spritenoicy1676 I do like some stuff outside of dolly. I enjoy wynonna, lorrie Morgan and early 90s Reba . And Tanya Tucker is a dream But dolly is my main country artist.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so happy that there are instances where we see where celebrities being a version of themselves as actors and it yields positive dividends. Also, if Lady Gaga wants to flex their credentials, let them.

[@Siansonea]

I wish Lady Gaga didn't feel the need to justify her presence in a film. She has every right to be there, her work speaks for itself, and we've learned from Dolly and Cher and numerous other pop stars turned actors that you can be good at more than one thing.

[@vibeology9432]

@@Siansonea Gaga flexes a lot. She tends to name drop more than most. Yet she’s successful on her own.. Gucci was a great film and she deserved the Oscar for that one.

[@Siansonea]

@@vibeology9432 that name dropping has to come from a place of insecurity, I think. She doesn't need to do that though. Just like Dolly, she's earned her spot.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

@@vibeology9432 it was?

[@vibeology9432]

@@kostajovanovic3711 a bit too long .. but she did great. For me much better than Star is Born. Of course none of these are close to dolly’s best movies

[@cutiemcgee1187]

A nearly hour long video of Dolly. Honestly you are doing a video on GOD. This woman is too good for us!

I remember watching 9 to 5 thinking "omg this woman is literally the sun"

[@Siansonea]

I'm an atheist, but I would have a lot more respect for Christians if they were all like Dolly Parton.

[@TwoBs]

Dolly will always be an iconic role model, not just for females, but everyone. She has the best outlook on life that I could only wish to mimic while having it come off as real and authentic as she does lol. I met her in Pigeon Forge, TN back in the early 2000s when we were on a family vacation. I think she was doing a meet and greet after a show or something, but I was with my mother, my mamaw, and my sister. I only knew of her as a singer and through Steel Magnolias. She really is the sweetest person, like everyone’s favorite aunt. My mamaw has wanted to meet her for 30-some years. Dolly gave her a hug and complimented how beautiful my grandma was and how we should be proud because “you can tell you all are related”. She lit up the whole place with her warm smile and words, made my mamaw blush more than I had ever seen in my life. For the picture, she had someone nearby get another chair and made my mamaw sit next to her while she held her hand. Said it was only right. She framed that photo and put it on her bedside table - got top rank over me and my siblings lol. Ever since then, I have adored Dolly and will always see her in a glowing positive light. Absolute legend in all she sets out to achieve.

[@ilunaker1032]

Well, this is the *cutest* thing I've read in a loooong time! 🥰

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s hard being Dolly because she has to constantly balance opinions of all kinds. As a Queer Person, I couldn’t care less what religious zealots with their violent nature think but imagine having to be just right enough to have people not explode.

[@moeg.280]

Why does she have to though? She could do the right thing and take a stand. It all came across so poorly to me, the trying to be real nice to bigots so the money keeps coming in.

[@gabelogan5877]

@@moeg.280 it's important for people to take a stand against evil. But some people aren't good as it as others. And I believe Dolly isn't making money for money sakes. Her businesses like her theme parks are propping up local economies in rural areas. And she uses her money for good like helping to fund a COVID vaccine and free books for kids.

[@gabelogan5877]

@@moeg.280 it's important for people to take a stand against evil. But some people aren't good as it as others. And I believe Dolly isn't making money for money sakes. Her businesses like her theme parks are propping up local economies in rural areas. And she uses her money for good like helping to fund a COVID vaccine and free books for kids.

[@Poorstargazer23]

@@moeg.280 ...Sure, but if everyone did that you'd have nothing but people on opposite sides screaming at each other. Sometimes you need someone in the middle to help birth new opportunities. You can question her motivations as being monetary, but as OP pointed out, it's exhausting to try to be the perpetual peacekeeper while never backing down to one side either. To me, Dolly isn't just waking the line for fun and profit, but because that's where she really fits. Some people are just more moderate.

[@Patrick3183]

How about woke liberals with their violent nature?

[@pt8077]

She was just in The Orville where alien women sees her as a role model that is an inspiration to overcome their situation although she’s been dead for thousands of years.

[@PogieJoe]

I love when you tackle episodes like this. Dolly's films aren't all universally beloved or acclaimed, but her story in them is still worth telling.

[@slc2466]

One of my sweetest moviegoing experiences as a child was watching "9 to 5" with a packed house when it came out, and witnessing the reaction to Dolly Parton's performance as Doralee in the film. The critics may not have completely embraced it, but audiences did (it made $100 million, a princely sum back in 1980-81). Dolly went over like gangbusters, nailing every comic moment with verve, while also possessing an instinctive gift for screen acting (she doesn't overdo anything and is always completely focused in her scenes) and an incredible likeability factor. Herbert Ross' assessment be damned, as when I watch "Steel Magnolias" Dolly is the one who resonates the most with me. I find her lovely work as Truvy Jones both funny and incredibly touching; I have never forgotten Truvy telling her husband "It makes you pretty" with the sweet fragility Dolly brings to the line, or her moving, spontaneous reaction to Sally Field's big funeral breakdown, wherein there's a heartbreaking honesty to Dolly's playing that out-classes any of the great acting going on around her. You can't really teach this kind of performing; Dolly just has it onscreen and is, as Jane Fonda claimed, "a natural." Would love to see her again on the big screen in a suitable part, as there's only one Dolly!

[@MuddBstrd]

I'm not a movie person by any stretch, but I love your videos. I started watching them within the last year, and I love how your videos dive into the relationship between these women, Hollywood, and wider American culture. I literally gasped with joy when I saw you had just published a video on Dolly Parton. This is a fantastic video!

[@amarijohnson1148]

Dolly is literally a national treasure ✨

[@servraghgiorsal7382]

I think part of why we love her is that she unabashedly is what a lot of us secretly wanted to be. To have the courage to wear fancy glitzy clothes, to be herself, to have fun with her life, t have a connection to interesting well paid work, to travel, to have people admire us and be able to give to other people and still have money to spare. To have our creative efforts applauded, and when they aren't not be devastated. In short, the persona or character she has created feels authentic!!;

[@MrHootiedean]

I so wish Dolly would have made more movies, she's such a force of nature on film! She has the talent to do and be anything she wants. Viva Dolly Parton!

[@AllenMQuinn]

I wish she had done a sitcom like Reba. She has the exact same type of charisma and comedic chops.

[@Patrick3183]

She did and it flopped

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

We got her in Hannah Montana. That was kinda fun

[@tylerkochman1007]

How did I miss this upload?? Good lord. I’m changing that bell so I never miss any golden uploads of this brilliant channel

[@Educatingben]

Growing up in Miami in the 1980s, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton had crossed over into country pop and were very very popular. I saw both of them separately in concert several times. Dolly Parton’s concerts were absolutely precious. The story of her life. Her songs all weave together to tell a story. She was a little bit of a thing on heels that were longer than her own legs. When she started getting into the movies, that made my century. 9 to 5, the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Steel Magnolias.. I remember when my mother and father came home from Steel Magnolias, and I asked how Dolly Parton was in the part. My mom responded, “She was lovely, and Sam Shepherd played Dad.” God rest her soul.

[@cooperwesley1536]

Parton's acting talents are very limited, but what was so refreshing about it was that she always seemed comfortably aware of her limitations... and at times she even poked fun at this fact. The big crime was how Hollywood failed to take advantage of her appeal by constructing film opportunities that might take advantage of her authenticity and her loyal, built-in fan base. In addition, she's the sort of performer who would have gotten more polished with time... similar to Cher and Bette Midler. She was never going to be a rival to Meryl Streep or Jessica Lange, but we certainly missed out on some potentially great films. (TBH... ditto for Cher. I miss seeing her on the big screen!)

[@kenm5787]

There is anew documentary on the film festival circuit right now "Still Working 9 to 5" about the movement all these many years later. It's so good. Dolly has recorded a new version of 9 to 5 as a duet with Kelly Clarkson for it.

[@jamesa.romano8500]

Dolly's apolitical approach/method (described at 12:40)was on display during the 9 to 5 reunion at the 2017 Emmy Awards following the "Sexist Egotistical Lying Hypocritical Bigot" line delivered by Jane and Lily.She was apparently/visibly blindsided by it and it basically went against her general rule of being non political which led her to try and awkwardly walk it back onstage (she could literally be seen taking a step backward when they said it) and make reference to Dabney Coleman and Mr. Hart being tied up somewhere. The joke fell flat and as I recall Jane even shot a tense glance at her like she was legitimately pissed off. Dolly ended up getting the blowback on both sides from the Left which accused her of "placating evil and bigotry" by not vocally joining in with Lily and Jane and from the Right which accused her of "leaning in to anti-Trumpism." Its one of the only times I can recall she seemed genuinely out of her element where her no politics approach was concerned - but it pretty much evinced why the strategy is pretty good business sense for the most part. I don't think the moment hurt their relationship in the long-term but you could tell there was some legitimate tension in that moment between them, and it wouldn't surprise me if she felt hurt in the moment that they would have put her in a position like that.

[@GMAMEC]

She was placed in very awkward position. I think she did the best she could and came out smelling like a rose. People still love her. Unfortunately, Our society wants to place people in a box. People are too complicated to be placed in categories. There are conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans. They both want change. While there are some differences , I think people have more in common. Most want honest government representatives, a healthy environment, a good economy, lower gas prices, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, good schools, honest police departments, privacyetc.

[@tstreet6526]

I remember that - and she made that cute little "oh!" noise when she stepped backward lol

[@halo2d]

No one on the right has ever used the “leaning in phrase”. I assume that was a nugget from th NYT writers who went “on safari with trump voters”. Apparently having grace and good manners is as rare as a talent like Dolly Parton.

[@jamesa.romano8500]

@@halo2d There was a video that might still be on YT from a Right leaning channel (I'd post the link if I didn't think I'd get flagged) that grouped Dolly with the other two claiming that she joined them in being political (its under "Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda Viciously Attack Trump at Emmys"). They're obviously fine now but it must have felt like a betrayal in the moment because as this video specifically explains the genesis of Dolly's friendship with Jane was that Fonda wouldn't push her into doing anything political and here she not only violated that but did it in front of a huge live audience - during a polarizing time in America - and shot her a look when she tried to distance herself from them (and if James Woods is to be believed she was blindsided by it and had not been told they were going to do it).

[@alisdairmckenzie]

Really enjoying this vid - thought I'd stop halfway to comment on something: I've lost count how many times I've seen 9 to 5 and about Dolly: This may have been her movie debut but you'd never know that from watching her in it and whatever acting skills or methods she may be lacking, she makes up for it in spades with her natural beauty, charm and charisma. She just radiates so much warmth and charm in it. I defy anyone to look away when she is onscreen in it - you can't. I just love love love her in this and I never tire of seeing the movie. My heart always breaks a little when in the earlier scenes, she's ostracised at work by the others, and when they finally end up at that bar together it's just such a fun ride from then on. And I always thought they looked like they had a blast filming it together as well. On one of the DVD releases in the bonus features, there's an outtakes and bloopers reel and it's a hoot - so much fun.

[@jeffreytaddeo6245]

While I am not a diehard Dolly Parton fan, I found this video incredibly entertaining! Love how you are mixing things up with the content you are providing...very fresh!

[@newmoon766]

This reminds me of an interview I once heard with Dustin Hoffman, on the making of "Marathon Man". He asked Lawrence Olivier about his acting technique. Olivier answered, "I don't act. I pretend."

[@thecrazygainerguy]

When I saw this notification I actually screamed. Between this and Jose s Frasier retrospective I am well nourished by my fav youtubers today.

[@ammo6413]

I think the Mae West roll was probably the first time she was willing to go deep into the role and not just play "Dolly" on screen. I think she wanted to completely transform for that role. Would've been really interesting to see the result!

[@beccangavin]

I’m working a 12 hour shift today and these videos are getting me through them. I’m learning stuff about amazing women in cinema that I have always adored.

[@Nygaard2]

The more I learn about Dolly, the more I’m impressed with her social intelligence. An American icon for sure.

[@davidpatterson555]

I’ve always loved Dolly Parton! And one thing I love so much about her is no matter how rich, or successful she’s become she’s never once forgotten where she came from, or acted like she was any better than anyone else

[@NC-ij9rb]

I love how generous and unproblematic she is. we need more stars like her

[@momccormick7]

God I loved this. An hour long video about Dolly!? Your channel continues to be an embarrassment of riches. Sitting down with my salad + this video was the highlight of my week. Thank you, thank you, thank you - I don’t think many people can appreciate how much time, effort and research must go into something like this. Never have I been more glad I hit “subscribe.” 💖

[@miguel9070]

As a Dolly Parton fan it makes me so happy to watch this. Thank you for making this video

[@strangerxmarvel]

A BKR VIDEO ON MY BIRTHDAY?!?!!? There are no words to describe my excitement!

[@ronniejoe636]

A Smokey Mountain Christmas has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it as a small child in the late 80s. I find her so touching and honest in that and the music she created for it gets me every time. I wish she’d release those songs in an album.

[@ezb6798]

I’ve been watching my way through your library of videos lately and I just want to say how much I appreciate your insightful, intelligent and personal takes on a wide range of cinema. And your videos are so well put together, like a well-written essay. So satisfying! Thanks.

[@corgeousgeorge]

The Podcast "Dolly Parton's America" is by FAR the best Dolly resource I've ever heard. It is so in depth and fantastic. This was the best I've ever seen re: her movies. I love Dolly so much and she is SOOO drag!

[@kathleenmckenzie6261]

I read a lengthy Dolly Parton interview back in the 80s, apparently during or just after the difficult time referred to in this documentary. As I read, I became increasingly aware of the way she answered questions, particularly intrusive questions. She danced around the essential core of the questions with a lengthy non-stop flow of words that avoided disclosing any meaningful personal information, yet it was done so cleverly that one didn't notice that the question was never really answered. She had to be very intelligent and very verbally nimble to pull of such a feat. I've been in awe of her ever since.

[@laikanbarth]

My dad loved the “Rhinestone” movie. He must’ve watched it at least 30 times after it was released on vhs. It was funny to us because we lived in the country. I loved, loved, loved “Steel Magnolia’s”. I even went to Louisiana to see the places where it was filmed at. I still have the pictures. I love Dolly!! Always will!!

[@jbanks979]

I think a lot goes towards just being a genuinely nice, authentically real person (and and underrated talented songwriter). Dolly has never come off as caring how she’s percieved and appears self aware enough about how she presents herself.

[@afrosensei5308]

I feel like Patti Labelle has a similar appeal to Dolly, in that she also has a big, extreme persona that verges on cartoonish(but is grounded by undeniable musical talent). Like Dolly she is rarely thought of as sexual a la Janet Jackson. As she herself once said "People look at me as a mother! They don't look at me as a lovah!" And she has largely navigated her TV career by playing some version of "Patti." Obviously being a black woman adds another dimension to the equation, but I think there are similarities in how they've reinvented themselves throughout their careers.

[@user-ow5zw1wz3d]

Both are such wonderful people so sad we are not getting icons like this anymore 😭

[@mcoo465]

I like your comparison!👍 Also, both women seem to be totally GENUINE and down to earth

[@afrosensei5308]

@@mcoo465 Thanks!

[@Huntress59]

Great observation. I agree

[@afrosensei5308]

@@Huntress59 Thanks!

[@Infamous-K]

Thank you so much for this video. I've loved Dolly since I was a small tiny child. She's always been so smart, and talented, and just an obviously phenomenal person.

[@ultraviolettas]

I audibly gasped when I got this notification!!!

[@KLT2013]

That tribute to Carl Dean sent me 🤣 Thank you for this video! It was so informative and well-done, and with seeing so much about Dolly recently, I just love her and this analysis!

[@GoldieSC]

Dolly just makes me smile, despite not really listening to a lot of her music or having seen a ton of her movies. This video did too.

[@prestuvius]

Omg you have me in TEARS during the Carl Dean "I Will Always Love You" kazoo part.

[@mablekay8145]

You are an amazing, prolific researcher & story teller. I am so impressed with your high caliber of research. You put all other KZbin content creators to shame.

[@TheJeannag]

I would LOVE a BKR video on Mae West, she was one hell of a character!

[@gemini_moons]

this is just so good! what a gorgeous testament to dolly as an american icon and your analysis of her as a movie star is great

[@elleryhall398]

49 seconds in and im already liking for those five notes of 9 to 5 i can't WAIT to hear more of what you have to say about queen dolly!!

[@MichaelSu-ht8yu]

Love Dolly in “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias!” ​ My mother, my sister and I used to watch the latter together. Six months ago, my sister found out she was pregnant but around the same time, our mother passed away. To be honest, I have not recovered from her passing since. As soon as this video mentioned “Steel Magnolias,” I had tears rolling down my face. Recently, my sister developed pregnancy-related gestational diabetes. I thought of “Steel Magnolias” when my sister informed me of her health issue. I’ve wanted to rewatch the movie alone for it might be cathartic, but I worry that it might have the opposite effect.

[@manthony225]

Her quote about Herbert Ross is gold. I love that she has such a strong presence of mind. She always seems firmly centered and "un-shook".

[@MaryamofShomal]

As the world’s biggest Buffy/SMG fan in my youth, the fact that real life Angel Dolly Parton produced one of the greatest shows in history just makes me love her even more. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT DOLLY FOREVER 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@AthenaeusGreenwood]

Miss Dolly! One of my warmest childhood memories is curling up with my grandfather on his green naugahide recliner, watching "The Porter Wagoner Show" (talk about big hair!) & watching Miss Dolly singing & her sweet tinkling laugh. Pops loved her & Mae West & Judy Holiday - smart sexy blondes were his thing. Have followed Miss Dolly ever since - my favorite Dollyism, when she was asked about dumb blonde jokes: "I don't mind. I know I ain't dumb ... I also know I ain't blonde!" OMG - perfect!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I literally woke up to see this notification and clearly the Universe was listening when I needed a fun video essay from one of my favourite channels.

[@tstreet6526]

It would have been interesting to see if Dolly could have pulled off doing a Mae West biopic. I wonder if Mae ever had an opinion about Dolly. She famously wasn't keen on impersonators like Craig Russell and sent a cease and desist letter to Bette Midler for doing a Mae West routine. She disliked that Barbra Streisand openly imitated her in Hello Dolly (Barbra apparently fell to her knees and fawned over her when the two eventually met while Mae feigned indifference) and she even accused Marilyn Monroe of copying her act (who did admit to borrowing from Mae). Dolly herself admitted to channeling Mae for Best Little Whorehouse but by then Mae had died, I think prior to that a connection had only been speculated by critics without Dolly ever actually openly saying it.

[@moodylittleowl]

we can assume Mae would have disliked her on the basis of Mae's known dislike for women, let alone ones who took any inspiration from her :P

[@natalies1624]

@@moodylittleowl mae disliked women?

[@moodylittleowl]

@@natalies1624 apparently, I saw a documentary where it was mentioned she preferred company of men and wasn't that fond of other women. I am not sure if she is known to have close female friends

[@hnybee113]

I was a little little girl when it came out. But it was my aunt, my mom and cousin Traci. Our "girls Night out"!! I loved it and giggled at how hard my mom and Aunt were laughing. Since THEY were seeing themselves on the screen. Thank you so much for your LOVE and admiration for this American Treasure.

[@xaviotesharris891]

It was delightful to hear what I took to be just the slightest of hesitation before saying "Bosom Queens."

[@cainegilchrist9464]

I absolutely adore Dolly movies. Straight Talk is my favourite. She's just so much fun to watch. My family still watch A Smoky Mountain Christmas every year 🤩😍🥰😘🤗🤗

[@rruubbeenncc]

It is always so worth the wait for these videos. You always go beyond in detail and analysis, always making me feel inspired and leaving me thinking and reflecting. Thank you for such great and consistent content!

[@giagem404]

Ma'am, you've outdone yourself with this one. The tribute to her husband made me holler. And if I wasn't a fan of Dolly Parton before, I am now. I only know about Jolene from Tumblr (pretty sure Tumblr's turned Jolene into a dark goddess-figure) but I could definitely instantly recognize Nine to Five. And her work with improving literacy is so heartwarming to me as a bookworm. She really must be a bonafide earth angel ❤️

[@fad23]

I gotta say, 9 to 5 was really a favorite movie of mine as a kid. Thinking about it now, it really did influence the way I think about the world.

[@fad23]

That Canby review is WHOA!!!

[@hnybee113]

My grandma was from Belle TN. And even though she moved to So. CA at 18 but visited often. She never lost her sweet twang and I have cassettes of her talking. Listening to Dolly on tape made me think of my sweet Granny Goose. See Dolly triggers alot of good memories.

[@OtherBlueFae]

Her laugh is so magical. I love Steel Magnolias, it’s one of my favorite movies. Great job on the video!

[@DeltheaSimmons]

Thank you so much for doing this episode. I have loved Dolly for decades and while she's no Bette Davis, she's never claimed to be and, like so many performers before her, she's a talent that Hollywood just doesn't seem to know how to use and that's not her fault.

[@mattd501]

Seeing this exquisite profile on Dolly and all the archived footage you used that I watch everyday from the likes of the great icons that are Ebert and Siskel, to even the amazing Bobbie Wygant, this channel just feels in the stars! Thanks for all you do as always 💯

[@gretchenlynn89]

"Emotionally scarring events" is right. This is in the top 3 movies I have blown sobbed at the hardest.

[@boblaker8676]

I can not believe you made this. Not just the topic,but EVERYTHING, your thoughts, etc. Thank you!