Movie Title | Year | Description |
---|---|---|
9 to 5 | 1980 | A comedy classic about working women’s revenge on a sexist boss. |
Rhinestone | 1984 | A country singer mentors a down-on-his-luck taxi driver. |
Steel Magnolias | 1989 | Heartwarming drama about Southern women facing life’s challenges. |
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas | 1982 | Musical comedy-drama about a brothel proprietor in Texas. |
Straight Talk | 1992 | Sassy radio host finds love with a charming cowboy. |
Blue Smoke | 1994 | a neo-noir thriller with Parton as a singer in danger. |
Unlikely Angel | 1996 | Made-for-TV movie about televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. |
Christmas at Dollywood | 2000 | Heartwarming holiday story set in Parton’s theme park. |
Joyful Noise | 2012 | The choir director fights to save her church’s choir. |
Dumplin’ | 2018 | Coming-of-age comedy about a plus-size teen in a beauty pageant. |
1. 9 to 5 (1980)
A comedy classic about three working women who team up to get revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Parton plays Doralee Rhodes, a bubbly secretary who is both charming and determined. The film was a box office success and earned Parton two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song for “9 to 5.”.
2. Rhinestone (1984)
A musical comedy in which Parton stars as country singer Rhinestone, who takes a down-on-his-luck taxi driver (played by Sylvester Stallone) under her wing and transforms him into a country music star. The film features several memorable musical numbers, including the title track, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
3. Steel Magnolias (1989)
A heartwarming drama about a group of Southern women who support each other through life’s challenges. Parton plays Truvy Jones, a beauty salon owner who offers wisdom and compassion to her friends. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Parton a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
4. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
A musical comedy-drama based on a Broadway play of the same name. Parton plays Miss Mona, the proprietor of a brothel in a small Texas town. The film tackles serious themes like prostitution and social hypocrisy, but it also features plenty of humor and heart. Parton earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her performance.
5. Straight Talk (1992)
A romantic comedy in which Parton plays a sassy radio talk show host who falls in love with a charming cowboy (played by James Woods). The film is lighthearted and fun, and it features a great performance from Parton.
6. Blue Smoke (1994)
A neo-noir thriller in which Parton plays a singer who gets caught up in a dangerous situation. The film is stylish and suspenseful, and it showcases Parton’s dramatic acting chops.
7. Unlikely Angel (1996)
A made-for-TV movie based on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Parton plays the title role, and she delivers a nuanced and sympathetic performance. The film was a critical success, and it earned Parton an Emmy Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.
8. Christmas at Dollywood (2000)
A made-for-TV movie set in Dollywood’s theme park. The film is a heartwarming holiday story about love, family, and the magic of Christmas.
9. Joyful Noise (2012)
A musical drama about a choir director (played by Parton) who tries to save her church’s choir from being shut down. The film features several gospel music performances, and it has a positive message about hope and community.
10. Dumplin’ (2018)
A coming-of-age comedy about a plus-size teenager (played by Danielle Macdonald) who enters a beauty pageant to spite her controlling mother (played by Parton). The film is funny and heartwarming, and it celebrates body positivity and self-acceptance.