Regal Cinemas is bringing two of Dolly Parton’s films—1989’s Steel Magnolias and 1982’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas—back to more than 200 theaters nationwide for six days of special screenings, with all ticket proceeds benefiting the country music star’s book gifting program, the Imagination Library.
- Regal Cinemas is hosting nationwide screenings of Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas following successful screenings in Tennessee.
- Tickets are priced at $9.25 as a tribute to Parton’s ’80s movie 9 to 5.
- All of the proceeds from the ticket sales will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is supported by the Regal Foundation.
The Nationwide Rollout After Tennessee Success
Following a successful weekend of screenings in Tennessee, Regal Cinemas announced a broader national theatrical run. The special six-day engagement spans over 200 locations across the United States. Fans looking to catch the screenings can purchase tickets priced at $9.25 through the Regal mobile app, the official website, or at local box offices.
The exhibition strategy shifts between the two features across specific days. Moviegoers can watch Parton as beauty salon owner Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias on select dates, while The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas—starring Parton alongside the late Burt Reynolds as brothel owner Mona Stangley—screens on alternating days. According to Regal’s senior vice president of marketing, Vikki Neil, the Tennessee community showed up in a big way to celebrate the singer and support a cause close to her heart.
Direct Support for the Imagination Library
Beyond cinematic nostalgia, the entire event serves a philanthropic engine. All proceeds from the $9.25 ticket sales feed into Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Founded by the singer in 1995, the program provides free books monthly to children from birth to age five, regardless of a family’s financial situation.
Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, emphasized that the organization’s current responsibility is to care for what Parton entrusted to them. With the support of partners like the Regal Foundation, the literacy initiative continues its work. The theatrical re-release provides a way for fans to celebrate her legacy while benefiting the program.
Box Office and Catalog Economics in Modern Exhibition
Bringing established catalog titles back to the big screen generates goodwill and supports charitable causes.
| Film Title | Release Year | Co-Stars / Key Cast | Screening Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Magnolias | 1989 | Friday, Sunday, Tuesday | |
| The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas | 1982 | Burt Reynolds | Saturday, Monday, Wednesday |
By pricing tickets at precisely $9.25—a nod to her workplace comedy—Regal bridges marketing synergy with fan nostalgia.
Honoring a Cultural Legacy On and Off Screen
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 following a brief bout with cancer, prompting celebrations of her life, accomplishments and personality. From her country music catalog to her cinematic turns, her footprint across American pop culture remains significant. These theatrical screenings offer fans a collective environment to celebrate her life while directly contributing to the literacy programs she championed throughout her life.
Whether you are revisiting Truvy’s role in Steel Magnolias or watching Mona Stangley command the screen, these screenings ensure her cinematic footprint remains visible on the big screen. Drop a comment below and let us know which of these two classics you plan to catch on the big screen this week.
