Following the death of country music icon Dolly Parton at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, AMC Theatres announced a major theatrical tribute. Beginning Friday, August 28, the theater chain is bringing two of her most cherished films—Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas—back to approximately 200 U.S. screens for discounted daily matinee showings running through September 2.
The Bottom Line
Screenings Details: AMC Theatres is reviving Steel Magnolias (1989) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) in roughly 200 locations nationwide, including Parton’s home state of Tennessee, using Fan Faves value pricing.
Timeline: Screenings run from Friday, August 28, through Wednesday, September 2, featuring two daily matinee showtimes per participating venue.
Cinematic Legacy: The tribute highlights Parton’s celebrated Hollywood career, which spans a dozen feature films alongside her music achievements.
A Cinematic Farewell to the Queen of Country
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron moved quickly to honor the performer by utilizing the chain’s nationwide footprint to curate a special theatrical retrospective. For fans mourning the loss of a cross-genre titan who sold more than 100 million records and secured 11 Grammy Awards, the big-screen return of these two titles offers a communal space for remembrance.
While Parton’s musical footprint remains significant—anchored by timeless anthems and iconic songwriting—her cinematic outings established her as a screen presence who could hold her own alongside Hollywood heavyweights. As detailed by Billboard, the retrospective gives audiences a chance to experience her comedic timing and dramatic depth on film.
Breaking Down the Retrospective Lineup
Selecting these specific titles underscores the breadth of Parton’s cinematic range during the 1980s. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) paired her with box office giant Burt Reynolds, netting Parton a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy. Playing Mona Stangely, the madam of the secretive Chicken Ranch, Parton delivered both comedic beats and musical moments, including a revamped version of “I Will Always Love You” that soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in October 1982.
Conversely, 1989’s Steel Magnolias showcased her dramatic chops within an ensemble of actors. Playing Truvy Jones—a Louisiana hairdresser holding court in her home salon—Parton stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts. The film proved to be a box office success and earned Roberts a Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress and an Oscar nomination in the same category.
| Film Title | Release Year | Key Co-Stars | Major Accolades & Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas | 1982 | Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, Dom DeLuise | Golden Globe nomination for Parton; Oscar nod for Charles Durning |
| Steel Magnolias | 1989 | Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine | Golden Globe win for Julia Roberts; Oscar nomination for Roberts |
The Theatrical Re-Release Landscape and Fan Engagement
By deploying Fan Faves value pricing across 200 locations, AMC is lowering the barrier for entry, ensuring that local communities—particularly in regions deeply connected to Parton’s Southern roots—can gather and pay tribute.
Tickets and showtimes for the Dolly Parton tribute are currently live on the AMC mobile app and official website, running through Wednesday, September 2. How are you planning to honor the Queen of Country’s remarkable screen legacy? Let us know your favorite Dolly film moment in the comments below.
