AMC Theatres is rolling out a red carpet for Dolly Parton fans this fall, with a limited-run retrospective centered on two of the country icon’s most beloved big-screen performances. The exhibition chain announced on Wednesday that it will screen both Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as part of a dedicated program celebrating Parton’s Hollywood legacy.
The lineup gives audiences a chance to revisit two very different sides of Parton’s acting career. In Steel Magnolias, the 1989 ensemble drama based on Robert Harling’s stage play, she plays Truvy Jones, the wisecracking, big-hearted owner of a small-town Louisiana beauty salon. The film, directed by Herbert Ross, also starred Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah, and went on to become a touchstone of Southern storytelling. Parton’s Truvy anchors the film’s warmth and humor, providing the glue for a group of women navigating love, loss and friendship.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, released in 1982, takes Parton in a far more raucous direction. She stars as Miss Mona, the savvy madam of a popular Texas brothel who finds herself locked in a political battle with a self-righteous sheriff, played by Burt Reynolds. Directed by Colin Higgins, the film was adapted from the hit Broadway musical and showcased Parton’s musical chops alongside her comedic timing. It remains one of the more colorful entries in her filmography, notable for its mix of salacious humor and genuine charm.
The retrospective arrives as part of a broader trend of theatrical programming that leans on nostalgia and established fan bases. For AMC, programming Parton’s films taps into a demographic that has long supported her music and her public persona, bridging the gap between classic moviegoing and contemporary event cinema. The chain has increasingly used its screens for themed screenings, re-releases and anniversary events, betting that audiences will show up for titles that carry deep emotional resonance.
Parton’s film career was relatively brief but impactful. After a string of appearances in the 1970s, including her acting debut in Nine to Five opposite Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, she carved out a niche as a comedic actress with a distinctly self-aware screen presence. Steel Magnolias remains her most critically lauded role, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the time. The film's enduring popularity has kept it in the cultural conversation, often cited as a favorite for its blend of sharp dialogue and tear-jerking drama.
For the retrospective, AMC did not confirm specific dates, ticket prices or the exact number of participating locations, but the announcement positions the screenings as a celebration of Parton’s contributions to cinema. It is likely the chain will package the two films as a double feature in select markets, or offer them as individual screenings across multiple weeks. Given that both films have passionate followings, the event could draw both longtime fans and newer viewers discovering Parton’s acting work for the first time.
Parton herself has remained a towering figure in American entertainment, with a career that spans music, film, television and philanthropy. Her recent public appearances and continued output have kept her in the spotlight well into her eighth decade, and her name carries enough weight to fill theaters on its own. The AMC retrospective is a reminder that her appeal extends far beyond the recording studio.
The choice of these two films in particular makes sense for a retrospective: they represent the bookends of Parton’s most active period in Hollywood. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas came early in her film run, when she was still establishing herself as a movie star. Steel Magnolias came near the end, by which point she had proven her dramatic range. Together, they tell a story of an entertainer who never took herself too seriously but always took her work seriously.
AMC has not yet released promotional materials or a full schedule, but the announcement has already generated buzz among Parton’s loyal fanbase. Social media posts referencing the retrospective drew excited responses from fans who grew up with the films, as well as younger audiences who have discovered them through streaming or word of mouth. The event is expected to be listed on AMC’s website and app in the coming weeks, with reservations likely open to the public shortly after.
Whether or not Parton herself will make any appearances tied to the screenings remains an open question. She has a history of engaging with her fans through personal appearances and messages, and a special introduction or recorded segment would not be out of the question. For now, the announcement stands as a straightforward programming move, one that gives moviegoers a reason to head back to the theater.
The retrospective is set to roll out during a season when theaters are competing for attention amid a packed slate of new releases. By mining the past, AMC is leaning into the comfort of familiar stories and beloved stars. And with Parton at the center, the chain is betting that her particular brand of humor and heart will fill seats, one screening at a time.
Source: Variety