AMC Theatres Schedules Dolly Parton Retrospective Following Death of Country Icon

The theater chain will screen two of the entertainer’s high-grossing 1980s films in approximately 200 locations through September.

August 28, 2026 · Dolly Parton, AMC Theatres, Steel Magnolias, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Film Industry, Box Office

Dolly Parton died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to IndieWire and Variety. The country music singer-songwriter and multi-hyphenate entertainer had established a significant presence in Hollywood through her work in film, television, and production.

AMC Theatres has announced a cinematic tribute beginning Friday, Aug. 28, featuring two of Parton’s most prominent films: “Steel Magnolias” (1989) and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982). According to Variety and Deadline, the theater chain will host these screenings at approximately 200 locations across the United States. The retrospective includes theaters throughout Parton’s home state of Tennessee and will run through Wednesday, Sept. 2. AMC plans to offer two matinee screenings daily, featuring one showing of each title, at Fan Faves value pricing.

Box Office Performance and Production History

The selected films represent major commercial milestones in Parton’s career. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” was a Universal Pictures release directed by Colin Higgins. According to Deadline, the project originated from a 1974 Playboy article regarding the closure of the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas, which served as the basis for a Broadway musical before its film adaptation. The movie opened in late July 1982, earning $11.8 million and ending E.T.’s six-weekend run at the domestic box office. According to Deadline, the film eventually grossed nearly $70 million domestically.

“Steel Magnolias” (1989) was directed by Herbert Ross and adapted from Robert Harling’s 1987 play. The film featured a prominent female ensemble including Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Daryl Hannah. According to Deadline, the production grossed $86.4 million domestically and nearly $97 million worldwide.

Filmography and Commercial Reach

Parton made her film debut in 1980 with “9 to 5,” where she played Doralee Rhodes alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Variety reports that Parton earned a Golden Globe nomination for the role and an Oscar nomination for the film’s title track. Her broader screen credits include “Rhinestone” (1984), starring opposite Sylvester Stallone, and “Straight Talk” (1992). According to IndieWire, in “Straight Talk,” she played a dance instructor turned Chicago talk show host alongside James Woods.

Beyond her acting roles, Parton was a significant business figure. She operated the production company Sandollar, which produced various TV variety specials. She also founded the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, during the 1980s. Her commercial portfolio included lines of coffee, wine, jewelry, clothing, and frozen foods. In the philanthropic sector, she established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed over 300 million free books to children globally.

Industry Legacy and Future Projects

The reports collectively highlight Parton’s transition from a country music artist—having sold more than 100 million records—to a production powerhouse. Her ability to secure high-grossing ensemble pieces in the late 1980s, coupled with her ownership of Sandollar, established a blueprint for multi-hyphenate brand management.

While the current retrospective focuses on her 1980s output, Parton’s influence continues into the 2026 calendar year. According to IndieWire, “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” with a book and music penned by Parton, is scheduled to premiere on Broadway in December 2026.

The AMC retrospective provides an immediate opportunity for theaters to leverage her legacy through value-priced screenings during the late summer period.