3 Movies Dolly Parton Doesn’t Like to Watch
Dolly Parton is known worldwide as the “Queen of Country Music” thanks to her decades-long career in the genre. With over 3,000 songs recorded and dozens of hit albums under her belt, Parton is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. However, her talents extend far beyond music – she is also a prolific actress, author, and philanthropist. Over the course of her career spanning six decades, Parton has starred in over 30 films. While many of her movie roles have become classics, there are a few films the cheerful and optimistic Parton prefers not to watch. Here are three examples of movies Dolly Parton doesn’t enjoy revisiting.
1. 9 to 5 (1980)
One of Parton’s most iconic and beloved films is the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. In the movie, Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as three working women who take revenge on their sexist and egotistical boss. Not only did Parton deliver a hilarious performance in the film, she also wrote and recorded the Oscar-nominated theme song “9 to 5.” Despite its success and cultural impact, Parton has said she doesn’t like to watch 9 to 5.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Parton explained that while she’s proud of her work on 9 to 5, she doesn’t enjoy rewatching herself on screen. “I don’t like to watch myself get beat up. I don’t like to watch myself cry. I don’t like to watch myself do anything that’s not pleasant,” she said. As her character Doralee Rhodes faces harassment and abuse from her boss in the film, those scenes may be too uncomfortable for Parton to relive.
While 9 to 5 was a massive box office hit, grossing over $3 million and becoming the highest-grossing comedy of 1980, Parton’s aversion to watching herself in emotionally difficult roles makes sense. As an artist who radiates positivity, she may prefer not to dwell in scenes depicting distress or victimization. However, Parton acknowledges 9 to 5 was an important film that resonated deeply with working women at the time of its release and continues to do so today. Its themes of gender equality and empowerment in the workplace remain as relevant as ever.
2. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Another classic film Parton has said she avoids watching is the 1989 drama Steel Magnolias. Directed by Herbert Ross, the movie is based on the play of the same name by Robert Harling and focuses on the bonds between a group of women in a small Louisiana town. Parton delivered a memorable supporting performance as hairdresser Truvy Jones alongside an all-star cast including Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis.
While Steel Magnolias was praised for its heartfelt exploration of female friendship and community, Parton finds it too emotionally taxing to rewatch. In a 2014 interview with ABC News, she explained, “I don’t watch ‘Steel Magnolias’ because it makes me cry too much. It’s just too real.” As a film that deals frankly with themes of life, death, and the enduring power of women’s relationships, Steel Magnolias pulls at the heartstrings. For an artist like Parton who is sensitive to emotional portrayals, reliving those impactful scenes may be too much.
However, Parton recognizes Steel Magnolias’ cultural significance. The movie was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $46 million at the box office. Its exploration of Southern womanhood, grief, and resilience struck a chord with audiences. In the same ABC News interview, Parton called the film “important” and praised its ability to authentically depict real-life challenges. While she may avoid rewatching for personal reasons, Parton acknowledges Steel Magnolias’ enduring importance.
3. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
One of Parton’s most controversial film roles was in the 1982 musical comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Directed by Colin Higgins, the movie was loosely based on the real-life Texas Chicken Ranch brothel and its relationship with local law enforcement. Parton starred as Miss Mona Stangley, the madame of the famous whorehouse, singing upbeat numbers like “Hiram’s Wedding Night” and “Hard Candy Christmas.”
However, in retrospect, Parton has expressed regret over taking the role, calling it a “big mistake” in a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone. As someone who worked hard to cultivate a wholesome public image as a country sweetheart, Parton realized too late that the racy material in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas did not align with her brand. While she defended her decision to make the film at the time, saying it was meant as a celebration of women’s sexuality, Parton now believes she was too naive.
“I was young and didn’t really look at all the business sides and all the downsides of it. I just thought I’d be cute and sassy in it and I’d had so much success with ‘9 to 5,’” Parton told Rolling Stone. The controversy over the film’s subject matter was immense and long-lasting. Parton felt the negative attention compromised her public persona as a role model for young girls and families. While the movie was a box office hit, grossing over $50 million, Parton wishes she could take back her involvement.
It’s understandable then why Parton would avoid rewatching The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Reliving that controversial role, however lightheartedly intended, likely brings back uncomfortable memories. For an artist so focused on empowering women and promoting positivity, the film’s subject matter does not align with her current values and message. While Parton defended her choices at the time, with age and experience came regret over that career decision.
Beyond These Films
These three movies – 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – represent just a small sample of Dolly Parton’s film work. Over her decades-long career, she has starred in over 30 films spanning a wide variety of genres from dramas to comedies to musicals. However, emotionally fraught roles or those involving controversial subject matters seem to be the ones Parton prefers not to revisit.
It’s important to note that Parton’s preferences may change over time as well. As she has gotten older and more reflective on her career choices, some films she once defended she now expresses regret over. Additionally, just because Parton says she doesn’t like to discuss or watch certain movies publicly doesn’t mean she avoids them entirely in private. As a thoughtful, nuanced artist, Parton’s relationship with her filmography is complex.
Beyond movies, Parton’s talents extend to writing, music, philanthropy, and more. She continues to release new albums, pen her autobiography series, and run her Dollywood foundation supporting child literacy. Parton remains a beloved figure worldwide, radiating optimism and empowering others with her message of courage, compassion, and following your dreams. While a few films may bring back difficult memories, Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of spreading joy through creative expression and giving back to communities in need.