Dolly Parton discusses her favourite movie of all time
Across her remarkable journey, Dolly Parton has penned numerous songs that each achieved high levels of success. Born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, her journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to her extraordinary musical prowess and unwavering determination.
As a songwriter, Parton’s timeless hits include the iconic ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘Jolene’, and ‘Coat of Many Colors’. These songs topped the charts and resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
Beyond her musical talents, Parton’s effervescent personality and unapologetic authenticity have endeared her to fans worldwide. Her larger-than-life presence, signature hair, and vivacious spirit have made her a beloved cultural icon, transcending the confines of country music.
Although Parton has a long list of favourite songs and songwriters, she’s also a massive fan of another creative outlet: cinema. As someone who has appeared on-screen herself, the movies are another way of expressing profound ideas and emotions that aren’t otherwise possible. Parton has showcased her acting abilities in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, earning critical acclaim for her performances and further solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
In her book, Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton, she discussed her favourite movie of all time. She said: “My favourite movie of all times is Doctor Zhivago. I’ve always liked movies with lots of production in them, especially things that were true, like The Ten Commandments.” Doctor Zhivago is a cinematic adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s acclaimed novel of the same name. Released in 1965 and directed by David Lean, it became a cinematic classic known for its sweeping romanticism and compelling portrayal of historical events.
When contemplating the film roles she’d consider herself, however, Parton prefers roles aligned with her authentic self and avoids parts that deviate significantly from her true personality. “I don’t think I want to play somebody else,” she said. “I think I’m a character myself — for me to try to play somebody else’s character would not be as wise as for me to create one of my own.”
As far as favourite musicians, Parton is a huge fan of Dan Hill’s work, citing his song ‘Sometimes When We Touch’ as one that particularly resonates. Parton’s fondness for the song probably stems from its emotional richness, delving into deep love and an intense longing for someone, a sentiment that becomes difficult to manage or endure. “It’s an older song,” the singer told Today, “But I just always loved it.”
