Over the course of Dolly Parton’s life, she left her mark in nearly every industry, but it’s the bonds she formed while forging her country music career that stand out most, and one of those was with fellow musician and actress Reba McEntire. Reba, 71, first crossed paths with Dolly back in 1977 as she prepared to take the Grand Ole Opry stage, and what followed were years of friendship, collaboration and love. Here, take a look back on the relationship between Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, and see how Reba is honoring the memory of her late friend. 

Entertainment

Inside Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ Nearly 40-Year Friendship

As the world mourns the passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, fans are coming together to share their favorite songs, movies and moments starring the Queen of Country. But one particularly moving musical moment has gone viral across social media this week—it’s Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers singing ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ in 1985. […]

Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire meet backstage in 1977

Back in 2016, Reba McEntire shared her knowledge of the industry in a MasterClass, and during the lessons, she reminisced on the first time she crossed paths with Dolly. 

“September 17, 1977 was the first time I got to perform at the Grand Ole Opry here in Nashville, Tennessee,” she shared. “So I walked in, and they said, ‘Reba, I’m terribly sorry, but the two songs that we said you could sing, you’re only going to get to sing one. I said, ‘Why?’ And they said, ‘Well, Dolly Parton just pulled in the parking lot, and she’s going to take one of your songs.” 

Instead of panicking, Reba simply asked if she could meet the icon. “I didn’t care or anything. I just wanted to see Dolly Parton,” she remembered. “She came walking in and I kinda backed up against the wall, and she had on the most beautiful black chiffon pantsuit with rhinestone butterflies on them, and her beautiful hair. I thought, ‘My gosh, that’s probably what an angel looks just like right there.”

Entertainment

Tributes Pour in For Dolly Parton From Former Collaborators

On August 25, the world was shaken by the unexpected passing of country music legend Dolly Parton. Born in 1946, the famed blonde songstress, known for hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” spent her life giving back to others. In addition to the charitable efforts she dedicated her life […]

Reba and Dolly collaborated over the years

Back in 2005, while McEntire was starring in her hit sitcom Reba, Dolly joined her as a guest star on an episode, playing the part of Dolly Majors. Majors owned a real estate agency that hired Reba, but as time went on, Reba came to recognize her new boss’ ruthless nature. In 2018, Reba reflected on working with Dolly on her show in conversation with E! News, saying, “When I was doing the Reba TV show, Dolly spent the whole week with us on set.” She went on to express her desire to share the screen with her again, saying, “Anywhere you can go in the world and you say Dolly—you don’t have to say Dolly Parton—everybody knows Dolly and everybody loves Dolly. Why wouldn’t you want to hang with her?”

Dolly offered her band to Reba after tragedy

In 1991, seven members of Reba McEntire’s band, as well as her tour manager, were killed in a plane crash. Though it was tough to continue, Reba recognized how the support of her friends kept her going—including Dolly Parton. 

“It was really hard for me to get back onstage, but Vince Gill called and said, ‘Buddy, I’ll be there for you,’” she recalled to Garden & Gun. “Dolly Parton said, ‘Here, take my band.’ It was such a gift to see how many people stepped forward to help, and to reassure, because so many of us had hearts that were broken.”

Reba remembers her friendship with Dolly

After news broke of Dolly’s passing, Reba took to social media to share a touching tribute. “Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”

Prior to her passing, Dolly Parton touched millions of lives, and those who were lucky enough to work alongside her or truly get to know the songstress have been looking back on the memories they shared with the icon. One of those lucky folks happens to be Brad Paisley, the 53-year-old country musician who worked alongside Dolly when they collaborated on the touching track “When I Get Where I’m Going.”

Over 20 years since the song first released, the duet he sang with Dolly now means more than ever, and Brad paid homage to the late Dolly Parton during a special performance of the song. Here, read all about Brad’s tribute to Dolly and take a look back on the friendship they shared. 

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Why Dolly Parton Meant So Much to 'Woman’s World' Magazine

Having served as the Executive Editor of Woman’s World Magazine for almost a decade, I’ve had the profound privilege of bringing inspiring real stories of faith, hope and love to millions of women each week. Countless times, I’ve been humbled by acts of kindness, brought to tears by miracles and moved by the way our […]

Dolly Parton shares a sweet duet with Brad Paisley in 2005

Though loss is never easy, it’s something we must all endure, and in 2005, Brad Paisley got in the studio and captured the feeling expertly when he recorded the song “When I Get Where I’m Going.”

If the lyrics weren’t touching enough, Brad’s vocals mixed stunningly with Dolly Parton’s, and the story of how their duet came to be is a sweet one. Last week, Brad took the stage the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT where he shared, “When I recorded that song and sent it to Dolly, I said, ‘A couple of people in my life I’ve lost, and I didn’t know if this would relate to you,’ and she immediately said, ‘Yes, let me sing on that,’ and I did.” 

The heartfelt lyrics take a touching approach to loss, singing of what’s awaiting on the other side. 

“Yeah, when I get where I’m going/There’ll be only happy tears/I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years/And I’ll leave my heart wide open/I will love and have no fear/Yeah when I get where I’m going/Don’t cry for me down here,” they sing. 

Singing the track without Dolly accompanying him clearly took a toll on Brad, for he noted at the end, “I never thought it would be about her, but it is. It’s everything she believed, and we will always love you, Dolly.”

Entertainment

Inside Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ Nearly 40-Year Friendship

As the world mourns the passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, fans are coming together to share their favorite songs, movies and moments starring the Queen of Country. But one particularly moving musical moment has gone viral across social media this week—it’s Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers singing ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ in 1985. […]

Brad posted a clip to Instagram of his performance of the song, and many flocked to the comments to share their feelings on Dolly’s passing.

“This is the first song that came to mind when I heard the news of Dolly’s passing. She wouldn’t want us to mourn her but celebrate the truly amazing woman she was and will always be,” wrote one user. “Heard this on the radio the other day. When her voice hit, I had to pull over. She was such a blessing to the world,” shared another.

Brad Paisley pays tribute over social media

In addition to Brad’s onstage performance of he and Dolly’s duet, he also took to social media to share a few touching words about the bond they shared.

“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.” 

Just days after the death of Dolly Parton at age 80, MeTV is remembering the country music legend with a special 90-minute programming block celebrating a remarkable life and career—including an appearance from Parton herself that takes on added poignancy following her passing.

MeTV Remembers Dolly Parton airs Sunday, August 30, beginning at 5 p.m. ET/PT. The tribute pairs the 2024 documentary Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart with a 2020 episode of MeTV’s Collector’s Call devoted to what the network describes as the world’s largest private collection of Dolly Parton memorabilia. And this isn’t simply a collection of records, posters and concert souvenirs.

Inside an incredible Dolly Parton collection

The Collector’s Call episode, “Meet Harrell Gabehart: Dolly Parton,” visits collectors Patric Parkey and Harrell Gabehart, whose home is filled with pieces chronicling Parton’s life and career. And this is a collection that goes well beyond the sort of albums, posters and concert memorabilia that might ordinarily fill a superfan’s shelves. Parkey and Gabehart have managed to assemble items with direct connections to Parton herself, turning their home into something resembling a personal Dolly museum.

Among their treasures are clothing and shoes actually worn by Parton, one of her banjos and even the bedroom furniture from her personal suite at Dollywood. Then there’s one of the more unusual artifacts: an autographed courtroom sketch depicting Parton during the 1980s copyright infringement lawsuit involving her song “9 to 5.” Taken together, the pieces offer a surprisingly intimate journey through different parts of Parton’s life, from her music and unmistakable fashion sense to the entertainment empire she ultimately built around herself.

As is customary on Collector’s Call, a professional appraiser—in this case Judy Martin—examines the memorabilia and attempts to determine what the collection might be worth. Of course, putting a dollar figure on items with such personal connections to Parton is only part of the fun. Martin then presents Parkey and Gabehart with an opportunity to trade one of their Dolly treasures for another piece, forcing the collectors to decide whether they’re willing to give up something they already love for something potentially even more desirable.

But Martin has something else waiting for them that no appraisal could really put a price on: Parton herself appears via video with a surprise personal message for the collectors. For two people who devoted so much time, energy and space in their home to celebrating Parton and her career, it’s a wonderfully personal payoff—and, seen today, a particularly touching moment between the superstar and two of her most devoted fans.

Seen when the episode originally aired in 2020, it was a memorable celebrity surprise. Following Parton’s death on August 25, the moment inevitably carries considerably more emotional weight, particularly in an episode devoted to two people who spent years preserving pieces of her history.

Celebrating Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart, a 2024 documentary tracing the journey from her famously humble Tennessee beginnings to international superstardom. Born January 19, 1946, in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Parton went on to sell more than 100 million records and write thousands of songs, among them “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.”

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Why Dolly Parton Meant So Much to 'Woman’s World' Magazine

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Her career ultimately extended far beyond country music with Parton becoming a movie star through films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, an entrepreneur through ventures such as Dollywood and a celebrated philanthropist, most notably through her Imagination Library literacy program.

Together, the two MeTV programs offer very different perspectives on that legacy. Big Hair, Bigger Heart looks at the public figure whose music and personality made her an international icon. Collector’s Call offers something more personal: a look at the connection Parton inspired in her fans and, thanks to that surprise appearance, a glimpse of Dolly connecting right back.

MeTV Remembers Dolly Parton airs Sunday, August 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on MeTV.

Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus had an unbreakable bond, one that spanned multiple generations. After growing up watching Dolly Parton soar to superstardom, the two were able to meet and become close friends. Following Parton’s passing, Cyrus shared a heartfelt message for his late friend.

“Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton,” Cyrus wrote in his Instagram post. “She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”

After an unexpected meeting in 1992 and a deep connection that followed, their friendship was one that would last a lifetime and beyond. Cyrus shared the final message Parton left for him before her passing, detailing their close friendship.

“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way….with my whole heart…and I always will.”

Entertainment

Inside Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus’ Sweet Relationship

The country legend and the pop star will always love each other, Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus sharing one of the sweetest relationships in show business—a bond that began even before Miley was born. Parton has been part of the Cyrus family from the start, and their connection has only deepened over the years. Dolly […]

Parton and Cyrus met in an unexpected way

Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus’ close relationship began a few decades ago, back in 1992 when his hit song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” was topping the charts. Cyrus was invited to tour with Parton and after an unexpected first encounter, they were bonded for life.

“When ‘Achy  came out, Dolly put me on her tour as an opening act,” Cyrus shared in a 2018 interview. “It wasn’t long after that that some of the headlines in the tabloids had Dolly and myself, pictures of us, saying something was going on. I was so upset about it…I hadn’t really met her. So, I told my manager—it was a National Enquirer—I said, ‘You think I could go meet Dolly and tell her how sorry I am about this?’ My manager said, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna make that happen.’ So, before my show, I went to Dolly’s dressing room, and they escorted me in. Dolly’s sitting there all beautiful, just like an angel.”

Cyrus shared that he went in and showed her the tabloid, apologizing for the rumors that had been going around. But Parton was hardly fazed by it. Instead of reacting badly, “She looked at it, and then she looked at me and said [with a wink], ‘Honey, that sells records.’ We laughed, and I never thought about it. From that moment on, we became very good friends.”

She became Miley’s godmother

While Parton and Cyrus were touring together, he and his wife, Tish, were expecting a baby girl, Miley. After the awkward tabloid incident had broken the ice, the two had become good friends and Cyrus felt Parton was close enough to ask a big favor.

Parton recalled the moment he asked her to be a godparent to his daughter.

“He said… ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said, ‘Well, I’d be honored,’” Parton recalled. “So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We’ve just stayed very, very close through the years… I love Miley. She’s my little sweetheart. I’ve known her since before she was born, actually.”

Their bond became even more familial when Miley and Dolly discovered they were actually related. After a genealogical test, the two learned they were actually seventh cousins, once removed, thanks to a related great grandfather.

The two grew extremely close over the years and it wasn’t long before she and Miley became twin flames.

Miley commonly referred to her godmother as Aunt Dolly, a sentiment she brought into her TV show, Hannah Montana. Miley specifically asked the show’s creators to bring Dolly on as a guest star, which introduced the icon to an entirely new generation of fans.

“She did so great on Hannah Montana and I got famous,” Parton recalled in 2023. “She really made me a lot of new fans that follow me to this day because of her, when she put me on the Hannah Montana show, all those little kids now have grown up and they’ve followed Aunt Dolly all these years.”

Dolly Parton fans, we have some exciting news! Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced plans to rename Nashville International Airport after the country music legend. This news comes just three days after Parton’s death and is something fans have wanted for a while. To learn more about the suggested new name for Nashville’s airport, keep scrolling! 

Entertainment

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Renamed to Honor Dolly Parton

When it comes to philanthropy, few celebrities shine as brightly as Dolly Parton. Now 80, the legendary singer-songwriter—known for timeless hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5”—has spent decades using her fame to make a real difference. One of her most impactful initiatives, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has distributed over […]

What to know about the Dolly Parton airport 

For years fans have been pushing for lawmakers to rename the Nashville International Airport (BNA) after Parton. There was even a petition created by Tennessee residents in 2025, which garnered over 156,000 signatures. 

“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton,” the petition read. “We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world.”

And now, after years of petitioning, it seems fans are finally getting what they want. On Friday, August 28, Governor Lee announced that he and the Nashville International Airport were teaming up to try and rename the facility after the late “Jolene” singer. 

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Governor Lee said in a statement. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness.”

Entertainment

Dolly's New Truck Stop Has Everything—Coffee, Music & Hospitality (Excl)

Today was a very exciting day for Dolly Parton enthusiasts in Cornersville, Tennessee. The country music legend surprised fans by showing up to the unveiling of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop—and Woman’s World was in attendance! With live music, a Dolly-themed coffee shop, dining, shopping and more, the lively new roadside destination—a partnership among Parton, longtime […]

When will the Nashville airport be renamed after Dolly Parton? 

The change hasn’t been approved by the state’s lawmakers, so there is no official word on when the Nashville airport be renamed after Parton. As it stands now, Governor Lee and Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority president and CEO Doug Kreulen will pitch the idea to The Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s (MNAA) during their meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026. From there, the idea will either be approved and move forward with more details, or it will be sent back to the drawing board.

“BNA is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community,” Kreulen said in the same statement. “Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life. She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”

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Candace Cameron Bure won the hearts of millions when she landed her breakout role as DJ Tanner on Full House at the age of 10. After eight years on the sitcom, the actress went on to book several more popular roles, even reprising the beloved character for the 2016 reboot, Fuller House. Now, decades later, she is about to embark on a new adventure. 

Bure has joined Season 5 of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, something she knew would be a challenge. But, as the actress shared exclusively with Woman’s World, she enjoys a challenge. 

“I am the kind of person that always says yes to the things that scare me because I don’t want fear to dictate my life,” she shared. 

In Woman’s World’s chat with Bure, she shared why she decided to join the reality series, the new era of life she is entering and which iconic character she’d want to reprise. 

Woman’s World: What made you decide to join Special Forces this season?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’ve watched this show and there’s something about a physical challenge that is really exciting to me. It’s also very scary… I turned 50 this year, and I thought, what a way to celebrate 50 then to see if I have what it takes to keep up with the Navy SEALs.

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WW: What did you learn from your experience of being on the show? 

Candace Cameron Bure: Certainly. The show really brings out the best and worst in you because you’re in this highly stressful, kind of fight or flight [situation]. You’re really risking your life, trying to save your life for an extended period of time, and you really learn who you are. I learned a lot about myself, so I’m really grateful for the experience. You see some of your strengths, but you definitely learn a lot more of your weaknesses, and those were shown to me. The show really taught me that I could be a better teammate at home, to my friends and it was really eye opening when push comes to shove. It’s really easy to be selfish and only think about yourself

WW: If you knew what you know about being on the show now, would you still say yes to joining?

Candace Cameron Bure: Absolutely. I’m glad that I did it, even though it was insane. I would encourage people to do the show as well if they ever got the opportunity.

WW: After joining this series, what would you tell someone who might be afraid to step outside their comfort zone?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’ll tell you the same thing that I tell my kids: is if it scares you, say yes. Do it because you don’t want fear to hold you back, and when you push through those fears, no matter how small they may feel, you realize that you can do it and that you made it through. Whether you win or lose, just the fact that you got through it gives you so much courage, and courage really stacks upon courage. You realize that life has so much opportunity, and there’s so many things that you may experience if you’re just willing to say yes and push through it. 

WW: You recently celebrated your 50th birthday—what has been your favorite thing about entering this new decade and era?

 Candace Cameron Bure: I’m in my ‘I am who I am, I don’t care what you think of me’ era, and I love it. I love people, I love relationships, but you realize that life is really short, so I’m gonna be me and do those things and if you don’t like what I’m doing, that’s okay. You don’t have to. You can move on. I’m still gonna be me, and it’s not gonna affect me if you don’t like what I’m doing.

WW: What advice would you give to other women approaching a new stage of life who may be nervous about it?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’ve loved every decade of my life because every decade has gotten better. You become more mature, you get a little wiser, and you care a little less about what other people think. But I was a little nervous about turning 50. That felt like a really big number, and I woke up on the day and it was really just like any other day. The truth is, I feel even more confident. So, don’t be scared. The years are beautiful. Enjoy that you get to live them, and know that you get to become wiser with every day that you’re alive, and use it to your advantage. Aging is a beautiful thing. It means you’ve lived life.

WW: You’re also about to become a grandmother for the first time—how are you feeling about approaching this new season of life?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’ve been waiting for this for so long. I cannot wait. Candy Gram is my grandma’s name, and I have so much energy for my little grandchildren that are coming. I’m chomping at the bit. I want to be a fun grandma. We’re gonna eat a lot of ice cream and we’re not gonna tell mom and dad. We’re gonna play all the games and go on all the walks and have all the cuddles. I cannot wait.

WW: Tell me a bit about your upcoming tour starting in September! What are you most looking forward to for this 8-city run?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone that’s going to be there. That’s really why I’m doing it. I’ve been on television for so long and I have my podcast, so this is a way for me to go beyond my microphone, beyond the television screen. I’ve been in your living room for over 30 years, if you’ve watched the shows or movies that I’ve been on, and this is a way that I get to connect with you in person. The show is going to have a lot of laughs, a lot of interaction, and games. We’re going to talk about women’s health. I’m bringing Dr. Tabatha Barber along and we’re going to talk about perimenopause and stuff like that, and going through a new season in life and those changes that we’re facing. My Christian faith is also so important to me, so we’ll be sharing faith stories as well.

WW: What made you want to take on this kind of a project?

Candace Cameron Bure: I’m a people person, and I love community. I think that’s such a big part of our lives, and we need community. We have a community online, and everyone does if you’re on social media, but to be able to gather like-minded people together and bring in new friends and introduce new topics is just a beautiful thing. 

WW: Let’s talk about Full House. What did you love the most about playing DJ Tanner?

Candace Cameron Bure: It’s been a dream to have been a part of a show that has a real, true legacy. It’s never been off the air in over 35 years. Full House means so much to so many people. I was on the show from [age] 10 to 18, and you never know how something’s gonna go and what it’s gonna mean to people. So when I look back, I have so much appreciation. I love that I was chosen to play DJ, and then we got to continue that legacy with Fuller House, and it’s just a huge, special part of my life that still lives on. There’s always new fans and new generations that watch both of the shows, and it means a ton to me.

WW: Which of the Tanner sisters—DJ, Stephanie or Michelle—do you think would be the first to agree to joining Special Forces?

Candace Cameron Bure: Oh, DJ would. She’s kind of me. She’s like a little hyper version of me, but DJ was always into physical fitness too, so she would definitely say yes.

WW: You’ve played a ton of iconic characters over the years. If you could reprise any of your roles, which character would you want to bring back to life?

Candace Cameron Bure: Oh my goodness! Honestly, I would love to do the third iteration of Full House, like Fullest House or something. That would be the dream. 

WW: Do you have any other upcoming projects you’d like to discuss?

Candace Cameron Bure: I have a new devotional out, Wild Hope, and I have another one coming out next month as well. I also have two Christmas movies that’ll be out this year on Great American Family Channel and Great American Pure Flix. One of them is called A Sweet Christmas Anniversary, and that’s the third installment of the Home Sweet Christmas series with Cameron Mathison, and we filmed it in Budapest during the real Christmas season, so that’s a really beautiful movie. Then I have another one called A Second Chance Christmas, which is a really sweet story about a divorced couple that celebrates Christmas together for the sake of their kids, but they grew over the time they were apart and see each other in a new light. My podcast is also always running The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, and you can listen any time.

Dolly Parton’s film career included everything from heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, but most might not realize that the country music icon left her mark on the Hallmark Channel as well. After news broke of her passing earlier this week, the world has been mourning the loss of an influential talent, and as we remember all that she gave, it’s brought some comfort to look back on her projects that provided hours upon hours of joy and entertainment—and Hallmark’s Christmas at Dollywood was no exception. Here, take a look back on her 2019 film, and see how her former castmates are remembering her after her passing. 

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‘Christmas at Dollywood’ was a joyful holiday flick

In 2019, Danica McKellar took the lead in Hallmark’s Christmas at Dollywood as a New York event planner who heads to Pigeon Forge for the holidays to plan Dollywood’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas extravaganza. While there, she’s forced to team up with the park’s head of operations (played by Niall Matter), and the duo doesn’t exactly see eye to eye at first. As the two warm up to one another, feelings start to blossom—but not without a little help from Dolly herself. In addition to traditional Hallmark romance at the heart of the film, it also highlighted Dolly’s Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children from birth until 5 years old. 

Danica McKellar took to Instagram to share a clip from the film and gave fans a glimpse at the movie’s origin story. “I still remember pitching the idea to @billabbotthc,” she wrote, tagging Bill Abbott, current president and CEO of Great American Media and former CEO and president of Crown Media. “’How about a movie that lifts up Dolly Parton’s literacy program @imaginationlibrary?’ I’d never heard him say yes so quickly. I’m so grateful to Bill and every single person involved with that film for making that movie possible. Such fond memories.”

Danica McKellar looked back on her time spent with Dolly

Anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to share the stage, the screen or a conversation with Dolly has been sharing stories of the way she’s impacted them—and even those who have only gotten to know her through a pair of headphones or through a television screen have shared the same sentiment. Ultimately, Dolly touched millions of lives over the course of her career in the public eye, and Danica McKellar expressed the love she had for the artist in a touching tribute. 

“Just wanted to offer my condolences to everyone who loved Dolly Parton,” McKellar tearfully said in a video she shared to social media. “I’m one of those people. I was fortunate enough to work with her in 2019 on a movie called Christmas at Dollywood, and she was everything I’d always hoped she would be. Before I did that movie, I actually had the opportunity to work with her because one of my math books, Goodnight Numbers, was part of her Imagination Library,” she shared, referring to one of the children’s books she authored. 

Danica shared a story of how she narrated the documentary The Library That Dolly Built, and while recording, Dolly paid her a surprise visit. 

“She was just incredible. The thing about Dolly Parton is that yes, she was talented, yes, she was an icon, yes, all those things, but she made you feel so good. She made everybody feel so great about themselves, no matter what. No matter who you were. She knew exactly the right thing [to say],’’ she shared. “That’s something that I’m hoping that I can—I’ve always thought, ever since I’ve met her and experienced it, I was like, ‘I want to do that. I want to learn that.’ I mean, if everybody did that, we’d be in a much different world. Dolly Parton, you’re incredible. You did everything for everybody all the time. Your legacy is unmatched. And I’m so grateful that I got to know you for a short time.”

To see Danica and Dolly shine alongside one another, catch Christmas at Dollywood streaming now on Hallmark+. 

One of the most talked about friendships in all of music is that of Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. But, what if we told you that the King of Rock and Rock and the “Jolene:” singer never met. Instead, they shared more of a spiritual bond that almost resulted in Presley almost singing a song written by Parton before it was given to someone else. To learn more about Parton and Presley’s relationship, keep scrolling! 

A look at Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley’s friendship 

One of the biggest questions about Parton and Presley’s friendship is if they actually ever met. The short answer is no, but that didn’t stop the two from discussing their relationship with one another. 

“I never [met Presley],” Parton told Playboy in October 1978, “but I always felt that we were kin. I feel like I know exactly how he was. Every time he’d come in town, even if I was home, I just wouldn’t go, somethin’ always kept me from goin’. There were other people I liked to hear sing better, but there was nobody that I ever related to more.” 

“He was very loving, very emotional, very sensitive, very giving, very humble, thankful, grateful. I always felt that he was totally in awe of his own success and he didn’t quite understand why he had been so chosen and why he was such an idol,” the “Jolene” singer continued. “How he felt about God and religion was always somethin’ I related to a lot, because I know he was brought up with his mother in the Assembly of God. It was a real free-spirited, shoutin’ church. I watched and heard how he reacted to Gospel music and how he loved that the best of all and how he almost seemed to feel he had a callin’ to do somethin’ different and maybe more spiritual than what he actually was doin’, but you know, he never got a chance to try.” 

Entertainment

The Stories Behind Dolly Parton’s Songs—In Her Own Words

Dolly Parton was a beloved country music legend, an actress, a philanthropist and above all, a songwriter—or as she always called herself a ‘songteller.’ Today, the world mourns as we say goodbye to the true Queen of Country. For more than six decades, the superstar enchanted the world with her majestic voice, her larger-than-life personality […]

How Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley changed music history 

In 1974 Parton released her version of “I Will Always Love you.” It was a farewell message to longtime business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner and turned into her final song at concerts. 

Shortly after releasing it, Presley’s team asked Parton if he could record his own version of the song. When she was asked, Parton said in 2006 that it was “the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me as a songwriter,” but after it was revealed that she would have to give up the publishing rights by Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker—meaning that she would have to split the royalties she would earn from her song—Parton’s feeling changed. 

“I said, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t give you the publishing.’ I wanted to hear Elvis sing it, and it broke my heart—I cried all night,” Parton told W Magazine in October 2021. “But I had to keep that copyright in my pocket. You have to take care of your business! Everybody’s going to use you if they can. These are my songs—they’re like my children. And I expect them to support me when I’m old!” 

“Priscilla, Elvis’s wife, told me that when she and Elvis divorced, Elvis sang my song to her. That touched me so deeply,” she continued. 

Eventually, Parton let Whitney Houston re-record the song in 1992 for her movie The Bodyguard, which also starred Kevin Costner. To this day, Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” remains one of the most popular songs of all time. 

Entertainment

Dolly Parton Opens Up About Her Crush on Johnny Cash

Dolly Parton might be married to her husband Carl, but before he came along, the “Jolene” singer had another man on her mind: Johnny Cash. That’s right! Way back in the day, the sparkly singer had a crush on everyone’s favorite blues singer, a fact which she exclusively related to Woman’s World. To learn what […]

How Dolly felt about Elvis after his death 

Elvis died in 1977 from a cardiac arrhythmia. He was 42 at the time and, according to Parton, there would never be another King of Rock and Roll. 

“I don’t think it will be anythin’ you and me will ever see,” she told Playboy. “I would never be an Elvis, and I would never want to be Elvis. But I would like to be a person truly loved enough to be able to have that much of an impact on people as far as bein’ able to guide them or help them or let them see that you’re caring.” 

“He touched people’s lives in a lot of ways. He was the sex symbol of the world and when he started gainin’ weight and gettin’ fat, he lost a lot of his glamor to a lot of people. I always thought his manager was brilliant as well. They built that mystery up about him. When he started losin’ his glamor and doin’ those concerts, he became more ordinary,” she continued. “That’s when they started publishing all the things about him. Thin people realized that he was not a god of any sort, but he was just an extraordinary human bein’. I think if he hadn’t died when he did, within the next five years he wouldn’t have been a hero at all, because he was talked about too much, seen too much. That’s how cruel the public can be.” 

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In 1989, an ensemble cast came together and gave us one of the most heartfelt yet tear-inducing films of all time. Steel Magnolias centered on a group of women living in Louisiana and their intertwined lives. At the heart of the story was salon owner Truvy Jones, played expertly by the late Dolly Parton, who tragically passed away at 80 years old earlier this week.

Daryl Hannah also joined the cast as Annelle, a newcomer who begins working at Truvy’s salon after things in her marriage go south. Sally Field and Julia Roberts play a mother-daughter duo, M’Lynn and Shelby, the latter suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis also joined the cast as salon regulars Ouiser and Clairee, rounding out this group of ladies we grew to love.

Entertainment

Tributes Pour in For Dolly Parton From Former Collaborators

On August 25, the world was shaken by the unexpected passing of country music legend Dolly Parton. Born in 1946, the famed blonde songstress, known for hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” spent her life giving back to others. In addition to the charitable efforts she dedicated her life […]

In the film, the women navigate all of life’s ups and downs with each other’s support. Viewers got a front row seat to the thrill of Shelby’s wedding, her decision to become a mother and her tragic death after complications from her illness. All the while, the women served as each other’s cheerleaders, sounding boards and shoulders to cry on as they faced all that life threw at them. This enduring tale of love and friendship remains a classic decades later, and after Dolly’s passing, fans are looking back on the film and what the cast has said about bringing it to life. Here, take a look at some of their most notable tales. 

Entertainment

The Beautiful Reason Dolly Parton Loved Butterflies So Much

As fans mourn the loss of beloved country superstar Dolly Parton, amazing tributes to her legacy are coming forward. You may have even noticed something special on Google today! When you search Dolly’s name on the website, you’ll be greeted with a unique animation of fluttering monarchs that travel across your computer screen and a […]

Julia Roberts remembers wise words from Dolly on set

Still early in her career at the time of the film, Julia Roberts was absorbing everything she could from her co-stars on set, and in a recirculated clip from a 1989 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the actress looked back on a particularly warm day.

“Everyone had ice on their wrist and was doing the whole thing, everyone was like, ‘It’s hot, can I get some water?’ And Dolly never said anything. And I finally just had to say, ‘Dolly, I mean, you’ve got a wig, and you’re doing the thing, and the wool. Come on, it’s hot! Sweat a little, you know? Just say ‘I’m hot,’ you know. ‘This is a drag!’

“And she said—I remember we were sitting on the porch, do you remember this? We were sitting on the porch and she said to me, ‘When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous and I wanted to be rich, and now I’m both those things. I’m not going to complain about it.’ And I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to be quiet for the rest of the day.’ And the way she said it—and I didn’t really do it her way, or else it’ll choke me up—but it was this thing and I’ve never forgotten it. And every time I go to complain or just kind of moan, I always hear Dolly sitting on the porch and saying that, and it kind of keeps you quiet.”

Sally Field has looked back on memories with Dolly

Earlier this year, Sally Field sat down with People and discussed her time working on the film, saying it was “Just a wonderful, wonderful experience.” 

She continued, “We loved each other. All of us. We all just completely adored each other. And we would go shopping on the weekends all together, even Dolly sometimes. We’d go to the market. We played games. We’d get together at somebody’s house. There’s a picture that I have hanging in my little office. It’s of Shirley and Dolly and Julia, and we’re looking off because it was the wrap party and there was a big band, so it’s all of our tight headshots, and on my chest is my little son Sam, because he was six months old, and I’m holding his head because I’m trying to save his ears because it was loud. He was on the set all the time and my friends took care of him. Sam has always said that that’s probably why he’s gay,” she shared with a laugh.

A few years back during an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Sally Field opened up even more about Dolly, saying she was “so filthy” in reference to her humor. “She has just a tongue on her you wouldn’t believe. Everybody falls down—except the guys.”

Want to take a walk down memory lane? Catch Steel Magnolias now on Pluto TV or Paramount+.

Today show co-host Jenna Bush Hager is paying tribute to the late Dolly Parton. In a new social media post, the former first daughter revealed how important the country music singer was to her and even opened up about how the “Jolene” singer helped her cope with her grandmother’s passing. To read what Hager wrote about Parton, keep scrolling!

Entertainment

Inside Dolly Parton’s Secret Life as an Avid Reader and Book Lover

You know Dolly Parton as the Queen of Country—but did you know she also goes by another title that’s even closer to her heart? That’s right, friends. Dolly, 80, is proudly known as the Book Lady! The nickname comes from her lifelong passion for reading and her beloved nonprofit program, the Imagination Library. And when […]

Jenna Bush Hager pays tribute to Dolly Parton 

Hager first joined the Today show family in 2009 as a correspondent, and  she’s been a co-host of the show’s fourth hour since April 2019. In that time, Dolly Parton appeared on the morning show multiple times. Perhaps the most meaningful appearance was in 2019, when Parton was interviewed by Hager at Dollywood. The two talked about books and life and according to Hager, Parton helped her work through the loss of her maternal grandmother, Jenna Hawkins Welch, which Hager talked about in her tribute to the late country music singer.

“As I write this, Dolly’s music is being played in the restaurant where I am eating. She was a legend. Her voice was unparalleled, but it was her utter originality and purity of spirit that will be sorely missed. We needed all that glitter and goodness. She gave with all that she was,” Hager wrote in her tribute post, which featured a picture of her and Parton during that 2019 interview. “In this picture of us, I had just received the news my grandmother, Jenna, had passed away. I was already with her in Knoxville so she held me and gave me such grace. I’ll never forget that kindness. May we take just a little of her beauty and pass it on.” 

Jenna Bush Hager and Dolly Parton bond over their love of books 

Along with being a country music singer, Parton was an avid reader. She even told Hager on an episode of Open Book With Jenna that she “must read at least 50 books a year.” 

“I wake up in the middle of the night and I’ll read myself to sleep. I don’t watch TV that much. I prefer to read,” Parton continued. “I read everything.  I love historical fiction. I read everything in Reese Witherspoon’s book club.” 

As for her favorite place to read, Parton said that her bed is the best, but her tour bus is a close runner up. 

“I travel a lot on my tour bus and I just love it when I’ve got a long trip from Nashville to LA…I just love to bring the food, cook, put it on the bus, take some good books and just read all the way from LA and back,” Parton said. 

Entertainment

Ann Patchett's Bookstore Just Honored Dolly Parton's Legacy

It’s been one day since the death of country music superstar Dolly Parton and the tributes are rolling in. Among them is a touching video post from Parnassus Books, which is located in Nashville and owned by bestselling author Ann Patchett. Below, we share what the folks at Parnassus Books said about Dolly and reveal […]

Dolly Parton tells Jenna Bush Hager her ‘desert island’ book is 

In that same interview, Hager just had to ask Parton what book she would bring with her if she was stranded on a desert island—and the singer’s answer might surprise you. 

“I better take the Bible because if I’m stranded on an island I fear may not get out of there and I might want to do some cramming,” Parton said, before sharing that there are a few other genres that she likes. “I have to love all kinds of books, it just depends….I love romances. I love those drugstore books – I love romance, but I like mysteries too.”

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