Part 3
Of course, Dolly’s influence stretches far beyond music and social media. She’s a business mogul, a film star, and a philanthropist. Her 1980 film 9 to 5, directed by Colin Higgins, became a cultural touchstone, and the title song—which she wrote and performed—earned her an Oscar nomination. She held her own alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, proving she was more than just a country singer. Then there’s Steel Magnolias (1989), where she played Truvy Jones, the wisecracking salon owner. The film, directed by Herbert Ross, is a beloved classic, and Dolly’s performance is a big reason why. And let’s not forget her Imagination Library, which mails free books to children around the world. She’s a force for good, and she never stops giving.
But back to the music. Dolly has written over 3,000 songs. Let that sink in. Three thousand. And when it came time to choose material for her 50th anniversary at the Grand Ole Opry, she had to whittle it down. “I only chose my main ones,” she said. “I did like a 30-minute segment.” She opened with “9 to 5” and closed with “I Will Always Love You.” In between, she paid tribute to Hank Williams Sr. with an a cappella rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” at the original Ryman Auditorium. “I kind of tell stories about the old days when I started,” she explained. “And they show a lot of footage and pictures of the old days. And then we go back to the new Opry.” It’s a celebration of where she’s been and where she’s going.
And where is she going? New perfume. New wigs. New skincare. New music? Maybe. But one thing’s for sure: Dolly Parton is not slowing down. She’s still dreaming, still creating, still connecting. As she told Jimmy, “You never get too old to dream or fantasize.” That’s not just a catchy line; it’s a philosophy she lives by. At 77, she’s proof that age is just a number and that the best chapters are the ones you write yourself.
So keep an eye out for that perfume—maybe it’ll just be called Dolly. And if you ever wondered what Dolly Parton smells like, soon you’ll be able to spritz it on yourself. But until then, you can follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of Dolly. Trust me, you don’t want to miss what Dolly has to say next—she’s just getting started.
