The Queen of Country is also a pretty iconic actress, and these films prove it.
While Dolly Parton is best known for selling more than 160 million albums, making her the best selling country female country music artist of all time, the Queen of Country has starred in several iconic films too. In 1980, Ms. Parton got her big break in 9 to 5, when Jane Fonda asked Parton to play secretary Doralee Rhodes. 9 to 5 became one of the highest grossing films that year, earning Parton earned a Golden Globe nomination for her very first acting role. That, my friends, is how you make an entrance in the film industry.
Parton went on to star in a number of films that have become a cherished part of American culture. From Steel Magnolias to A Smoky Mountain Christmas to Joyful Noise, here are the absolute best Dolly Parton movies of all time.
1
“9 to 5” (1980)
Not only is 9 to 5 one of the most iconic movies starring Parton, but it actually her first movie role ever. In the hit film, Parton plays a secretary alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin; they get revenge on their sexist boss by abducting him. The country star also wrote the movie’s theme song, “9 to 5,” and she received her first Golden Globe nomination for her work. Parton, Fonda, and Tomlin have remained great friends decades after working together on this film.
2
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982)
In The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Parton plays a Texas brothel madame named Mona Stangley. Mona is respected in the community, because her friend and local sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Burt Reynolds) looks after her. However, a reporter exposes her work, and officials attempt to shut down her business. Parton earned her second Golden Globe nomination for her role as Mona. The soundtrack to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which was originally adapted from a 1972 play, inspired Parton to write “I Will Always Love You,” one of her most famous songs to date.
3
“A Smoky Mountain Christmas” (1986)
Long before Hallmark’s Christmas at Dollywood, Parton starred in another holiday film, A Smoky Mountain Christmas, in 1986. In the movie, Parton plays Lorna Davis, a disheartened country star who escapes to a friend’s cabin over the holidays. Instead of being greeted by her friend, however, Lorna finds seven orphans dwelling in the place. She cares for them and protects them against an evil witch woman. Parton later opened up a special Smoky Mountain Christmas theme park at Dollywood in honor of the movie.
4
“Steel Magnolias” (1989)
Set in a small town in Louisiana, Steel Magnolias shows the bond of six friends as they encounter love, loss, tragedy, and good fortune over the course of their lives. Parton plays Truvy Jones, a hair dresser whose salon becomes a place for the women to gather and gossip. The film—an adaption of Robert Harling’s play—is based on the true story of Harling’s sister losing her life to diabetes complications. Steel Magnolias was also Julia Roberts’s breakout film, and it became one of the highest grossing films in 1989.
5
“Wild Texas Wind” (1991)
In this thriller, country singer Thiola Rayfield, played by Parton, moves in with her band’s manager, Justice Parker. Justice, who turns out to be violent, abusive, and an alcoholic, is found murdered, and Thiola is a prime suspect. Wild Wind Texas follows Thiola’s band, Big T and the Texas Wheel, on their journey to success. Parton also wrote an original song for the film, “Wild Texas Wind.”
6
“Straight Talk” (1992)
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Here, dance teacher Shirlee Kenyon, played by Parton, flees Arkansas, leaving behind her boyfriend, in search of a fresh start in Chicago. Once settled in her new city, Shirlee lands a job as an on-air radio psychologist, where she becomes known as “Doctor Shirlee.” After her show takes off, a local television reporter digs into Shirlee’s past and discovers that she’s not who she says she is. He also begins to crush on the bubbly blue-eyed radio host.
7
“Unlikely Angel” (1996)
When country music star Ruby Diamond, played by Parton, dies suddenly in an accident, she expects to go right to heaven. But the singer learns that before she can enter, she has to go back to Earth and do a good deed. Saint Peter sends Ruby to change the heart of a workaholic by persuading him to reunite with his children for the holidays. The holiday-themed movie also features two original songs written, of course, by Parton.
8
“Joyful Noise” (2012)Set in the small town of Pacashua, GA, Joyful Noise tells the story of two women who are forced to work together to save Divinity Church Choir after budget cuts threaten their ability to keep singing. The National Joyful Noise Competition is the perfect chance to redeem the group’s reputation, but leaders G.G. Sparrow (Parton) and Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) can’t f
