Dolly Parton: A Star Who Still Feels Homesick
Dolly Parton is undoubtedly one of the most iconic stars to come out of Tennessee. Over the course of her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, she has cemented her status as a true legend in the worlds of country music, film, and entertainment. However, even the biggest stars can still feel pangs of homesickness from time to time when they are away from their roots for extended periods. While there are no documented accounts of Dolly Parton specifically overcoming homesickness through watching movies, there are certainly some films that could resonate with her given what they represent – a strong sense of community, following your dreams, and the beauty of small-town life and family. Here are 5 movies that might lift Dolly’s spirits when she is feeling far from her East Tennessee home.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Set in a small town in Louisiana, Steel Magnolias tells the story of a tight-knit group of women who support each other through life’s ups and downs. At its heart, the film celebrates the power of community and female friendship. For Dolly Parton, who grew up in the tiny hamlet of Locust Ridge in Sevier County, Tennessee, Steel Magnolias would likely stir memories of her own close childhood bonds and the charm of small southern living. Like the women in the film, Dolly’s family and community were her backbone growing up. She has spoken fondly about how her family’s support gave her the courage to follow her musical dreams, even when others doubted her. The film’s depiction of deep southern roots and relationships could transport Dolly back to simpler times, reminding her of where she came from during periods away on tour or working in Hollywood. Its heartwarming portrayal of overcoming challenges together might lift her spirits when missing her East Tennessee family and friends.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
A true classic, The Wizard of Oz has enchanted audiences for over 80 years with its magical storytelling and themes that still resonate today. At its core, the film is about Dorothy’s longing to return home to Kansas after being swept away to the Land of Oz. Like Dorothy, Dolly Parton undoubtedly feels pangs of nostalgia when away from her native East Tennessee for extended periods. The rolling hills, mountains and tight-knit community of Sevier County shaped Dolly into the woman and artist she became. In interviews, she has expressed how the natural beauty of her home state continues to inspire her music. When homesick on the road, watching Judy Garland skip down the yellow brick road and sing “there’s no place like home” could stir Dolly’s own yearning for her roots. The movie’s themes of finding your way home and cherishing family would undoubtedly resonate with the country star.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Set in Depression-era Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe tells the intertwining stories of two women – Evelyn, who finds friendship with the elderly Ninny – and the lives of Idgie and Ruth before they opened their little roadside cafe. At its heart, the film celebrates the power of female friendship to overcome life’s challenges, a theme Dolly Parton knows well as a lifelong advocate for women. It also pays homage to the unique charm and close-knit communities of the American South during that era. For Dolly, who was born just a few years after the Depression in 1946, the film would likely stir memories of her own childhood and the strong southern values she was raised with. Its depictions of family, community and following your dreams against the odds would undoubtedly resonate with the rags-to-riches story of her own rise to fame. Watching the film could transport Dolly back to simpler times and remind her of the roots that shaped her when she is feeling homesick.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
This joyous musical comedy set in Hollywood’s golden age is pure cinematic escapism. Celebrating the fun and magic of musical films, it features iconic song-and-dance numbers that still bring a smile. For Dolly Parton, who got her start in Nashville’s music scene in the 1960s before breaking into film, Singin’ in the Rain would offer the perfect pick-me-up when missing home. Its celebration of music’s power to uplift the spirit and bring people together would resonate with the superstar singer-songwriter. Watching Gene Kelly dance jubilantly in the rain could provide a welcome distraction from homesickness for Dolly. The nostalgia for Hollywood’s heyday might also stir memories of her own rise to fame and joy of performing. Most importantly, its sheer exuberance and ability to lift the mood would make it the perfect antidote to feeling down. For Dolly, music has always been an escape and brought her solace – and this film showcases that in the most uplifting way possible.
The Color Purple (1985)
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple is a powerful film about Celie, a young African American woman living in the American South in the 1930s. She overcomes immense hardship and abuse to discover her own voice and find strength. For Dolly Parton, who grew up in poverty in the Smoky Mountains, the film’s themes of perseverance in the face of adversity and finding your inner power would undoubtedly resonate. Like Celie, Dolly faced doubters who tried to diminish her dreams. However, she prevailed to become a globally beloved superstar through sheer grit and talent – rising from humble beginnings to help countless others along the way. Her rags-to-riches story shares parallels with Celie’s journey of self-discovery. When missing home, the film could inspire Dolly and remind her of how far she has come from that little hamlet in East Tennessee. Its portrayal of one woman’s resilience to create happiness on her own terms would uplift her spirit.
In Conclusion
While there is no record of Dolly Parton specifically watching movies to overcome homesickness, these five films capture elements that could resonate strongly with the country legend based on her own life experiences. They celebrate community, following your dreams against the odds, and the charm of the American South – all close to Dolly’s heart. For the superstar singer-songwriter, movies have long been an escape and a joy. Watching any of these when feeling far from her Tennessee roots could provide comfort, nostalgia and inspiration in tough times. They offer perfect cinematic companions when a phone call home isn’t enough to cure a case of homesickness for the Smoky Mountains. In the end, Dolly likely finds solace in stories that celebrate strong southern values, family ties, perseverance and the power of music – themes at the heart of her own remarkable journey.