By now we’ve all heard the sad new of Dolly Parton passing on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, after a brief battle with cancer. She was a singer, a songwriter, a philanthropist, and an actress who defied every expectation placed on a girl from the hills of Tennessee. Before we say goodbye, here are seven films that remind us she was just as magnetic on screen as she was on stage.

7. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (2020)

Christine Baranski plays a cold hearted woman (my favorite kind) trying to sell her hometown and Dolly plays an angel sent to change her mind. Her Netflix musical is exactly as joyful and unapologetic as the woman herself.

6. Rhinestone (1984)

A bet, a bad singer, and Dolly trying to turn Sylvester Stallone into a country star. It is chaotic and a little messy but Dolly’s charm carries every scene she is in. Watch it for her.

5. Joyful Noise (2012)

Two women, one church choir, and a battle of wills between Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. The critics hated it but the audience loved it, because we have taste.

4. Straight Talk (1992)

Dolly plays a small town woman who accidentally becomes a beloved radio therapist in Chicago after a case of mistaken identity. One of her most charming performances and proof she could carry a film entirely on personality alone.

3. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)

Dolly plays Miss Mona, a brothel madam defending her business, her girls, and her livelihood with humor and warmth. Plus she easily holds her own opposite Burt Reynolds.

2. Steel Magnolias (1989)

Dolly’s Truvy is the warm, funny, generous heart in a beauty salon filled with 6 women with big personalities. A classic by every measure.

1. 9 to 5 (1980)

Three women, one terrible boss, and one of the most satisfying workplace revenge plots ever committed to film. Dolly’s film debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin remains as sharp and funny today as it was in 1980.

When watching Dolly just know you’re going to have a good time. Rest well, Dolly.