Dolly Parton, the country music icon behind hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, has died at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, revealed the news, and tributes have poured in from fans, artists, and actors and directors who worked with her.
From 9 to 5 to Steel Magnolias
Parton made her big-screen debut in 1980 playing Doralee Rhodes alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the smash-hit musical comedy 9 to 5. Directed by Colin Higgins, the film centres on three workmates who abduct their boss after growing tired of his sexual harassment in the office. Parton earned her first Oscar nod for best original song with 9 to 5, and her first Golden Globe nominations, including best original song, best performance by an actress in a musical or comedy, and new star of the year.
She teamed up with Higgins again in 1982 for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, alongside Burt Reynolds. The film follows a town sheriff, a frequent patron of the local brothel Chicken Ranch, as he joins forces with the establishment's owner and madam, Miss Mona Stangley, to keep it open after a television journalist attempts to close it down. One of the film's most memorable moments comes when Miss Stangley performs Parton's ballad I Will Always Love You for Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd after turning down his marriage proposal to safeguard his political career. Parton received her second nomination in the best performance by an actress in a motion picture musical or comedy category.
Dramatic roles and Hannah Montana
In 1984, Parton appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in the comedy musical Rhinestone as Jake Farris, a country singer who wagers she can transform anyone into a country music sensation. She is soon challenged to turn taxi-driver Nick Martinelli into her protégé ahead of his major country nightclub performance.
In 1989, she featured in Steel Magnolias alongside Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Julia Roberts, playing beauty shop owner Truvy Jones. The story centres on a young beautician who settles in a small Louisiana town and secures employment at a local salon, where she becomes part of a close-knit circle of women.
Parton branched into dramatic territory during the 90s with the TV film Wild Texas Wind (1991), about a country singer who enters into a turbulent relationship with a violent and controlling manager, portrayed by Gary Busey.
For numerous younger viewers, their introduction to Parton came through the Disney Channel phenomenon Hannah Montana (2006), where she starred with her real-life goddaughter, singer Miley Cyrus, and country artist Billy Ray Cyrus. In the series, she portrayed Miley Stewart's (Cyrus) godmother, Aunty Dolly, who shared a fictional connection with Elvis Presley.
Final on-screen appearances
Parton featured opposite Queen Latifah in the gospel-influenced musical comedy Joyful Noise (2012), which marked one of her final significant on-screen appearances. The film centres on two women battling for dominance of a church choir in a small, cash-strapped Georgia town, who must unite to compete for glory at a national singing competition. The movie also features Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan, and Kris Kristofferson, and is currently being transformed into a stage production.
