With the passing of Dolly Parton, the country music star has left behind an illustrious legacy as an entertainment icon. Though she first made a name for herself as a musician, Parton soon branched out into acting in the ’80s and appeared in several films and TV shows.
After decades as a singer and actress, colleagues across the entertainment industry shared their condolences. From “9 to 5” to “Steel Magnolias” to “Hannah Montana,” these are Dolly Parton’s most memorable roles in film and television.
‘9 to 5’ (1980)
Dolly Parton made her first film appearance in this comedy classic alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. In her movie debut, Parton plays Doralee Rhodes. This secretary teams up with Fonda and Tomlin’s character to get revenge on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss.
Parton was nominated for two Golden Globes for her performance as Doralee. Her iconic original song for the film, “9 to 5,” also won two Grammy Awards, plus nominations for an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ (1982)
Parton reunited with “9 to 5” director Colin Higgins for this musical comedy film. Starring alongside Burt Reynolds, Parton portrayed Mona Stangley, the owner of a brothel and love interest of Deputy Fred Wilkins.
For her performance, Parton received another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. The song she recorded for the film, “I Will Always Love You,” also reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
‘Rhinestone’ (1984)
Starring opposite Sylvester Stallone, Parton portrays Jake Farris, a country singer who performs at the film’s titular nightclub. Parton also composed the film’s soundtrack, which included two songs that made the Billboard Hot Country charts: “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “God Won’t Get You.”
‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989)
In this classic ensemble comedy, Parton played Truvy Jones. This wise and kind-hearted hairdresser hosts much of the movie’s main cast in her home salon. Parton starred alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.
‘The Simpsons’ (1999)
Parton is one of the many celebrities who portrayed themselves in this long-running animated sitcom. In season 10, episode 12 of “The Simpsons,” Parton’s cartoon counterpart helps Homer, Bart, and other Springfield men break out of Super Bowl jail.
‘Reba’ (2005)
GettyIn season 4, episode 18 of this Emmy-nominated sitcom, Parton guest-starred as Dolly Majors, a real estate agent who interviews Reba for a job.
”Hannah Montana”(2006-2007, 2010)
In three episodes of Miley Cyrus’ classic Disney Channel series, Parton guest-starred as Aunt Dolly, the godmother of Miley Stewart. Quite fittingly, Parton is also Cyrus’ godmother in real life.
‘Joyful Noise’ (2012)
This musical comedy drama showed Parton as G.G. Sparrow, the widow of church choir director Bernard Sparrow (Kris Kristofferson) and grandmother of Randy Garrity (Jeremy Jordan). Starring alongside Parton in this film are Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, and Courtney B. Vance.
‘Grace & Frankie’ (2021)
Parton reunited with “9 to 5” co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin for the final episode of their hit Netflix series. In the “Grace & Frankie” finale, Parton portrayed Agnes, an angel who greets the show’s main duo in heaven.
