On August 25th, 2026…we lost one of the greats. A song writer, a musician, an actress, one hell of an interview and a genuinely beautiful person inside and out. The world shines just a little less bright without her blonde hair or Southern wisdom.

I was introduced to Dolly Parton through a jukebox at Zorbaz on Detroit Lakes and VHS tapes of her movies. I consider myself a feminist and the beginnings of that part of my beliefs are tied to my mom sitting me down to watch “9 to 5.”

These are, in no particular order, my Top 5 Favorite Dolly Parton movies/cameos.

9 to 5

This one almost needs no introduction. A perfect blend of comedy, ahead of its time/glass ceiling breaking story elements and one banger of a song to go along with it. Even if you are an Egotistical-Lying-Hypocrital-Bigot…you probably love this movie.

Straight Talk

Dolly is confused with a psychologist and ends up hosting a radio call-in therapy show. That southern wisdom and wit is on display here. James Woods talked about Dolly being ultra professional and even more approachable during filming. This is a great time capsule for 1992 and, oh yeah, another banger of a song written and performed by Dolly!

The Beverly Hillbillies

Dolly only makes an appearance in this adaptation of the classic TV show adapted for the big screen. She excelled at playing herself on the small screen and big screen. Its no surprise that she would charm the Clampett family as well as the Hollywood big shots. Dolly has a great rendition of “Happy Birthday” along with a short performance of her song “If You Aint Got Love” – you might also note she is reunited with Dabney Coleman from “9 to 5” in this one!

Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

This one is hard to say on the radio…but I have introduced this film to a number of my “I hate musical” friends and they end up loving it. The songs are amazing, Burt Reynolds is fantastic and the politics/media angle resonate today! If you’ve never seen this one, you are in for a treat. Just be ready to blush a little bit… Interesting note, when producers had to promote the show, they utilized Dolly’s talents to sing a little ditty in the trailer to give the story without ruining the plot or working around the title!

Transamerica

While not featured as a star, Dolly wrote and performed the this song (which was nominated for an Academy Award for best original song) that was a major part of the film “Transamerica.” Her fight to give a voice to those who were going unheard, her efforts in literacy and a genuine shot of “if you don’t like the road your walking, pave another one” make for just part of the reason we will miss Miss Parton.