Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring celebrity docu has some mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dolly Parton: Here I Am
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
DOLLY PARTON: HERE I AM is a documentary about Dolly Parton's career that begins and ends with the 50th anniversary of her first performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Dolly talks about her own career and experiences, and she's remembered by bandmates, friends, costars, managers, music historians, and others in the industry. Interviewees talk about her as a trailblazer, an early feminist, a prolific and talented songwriter, a dear friend, and an astute businesswoman. Clips from her childhood through the present-day show us her first performance at age 10, some of her earliest professional appearances, television interviews, film and TV roles, and live shows from the last 50 years.
Is It Any Good?
Well into her 70s, Dolly Parton remains popular and relevant, and Dolly Parton: Here I Am shows why. More than a dozen people interviewed here, including Dolly herself and many high-profile collaborators and friends, talk extensively about her story, talents, and legacy. Though Dolly admits "people feel like they know me," even fans of the artist may learn something new from this documentary, not the first about her life and career. Clips and photos date back to her childhood and show her first performance at age 10, when she discovered she wanted to be a star. The film shows some of the many renditions of Dolly's songs crossing a range of musical genres, suggesting her influence has been much broader than people may think.
One telling anecdote about not selling Elvis the rights to her hit song "I Will Always Love You" illustrates her business chops. Dolly has never been politically outspoken, an intentional move to not offend or alienate fans, but this film makes a clear case that she was a "pioneer for feminism" (albeit "in disguise") and remains open-minded and big-hearted. Dolly also comes across as fully cognizant of her "mythic, iconic" and "larger-than-life" persona, in the words of friends Jane Fonda and Kylie Minogue. It's something she has consciously cultivated over the years, despite pushback from some -- including Barbara Walters, in one fascinating interview clip.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the legacy of Dolly Parton as illustrated in Dolly Parton: Here I Am. What do you think has been her greatest contribution? What will she be most remembered for?
Dolly grew up in a poor but loving family. She was one of 12 children. How did she become a global star worth millions? What can you learn from her story?
Which of the alternative renditions of Dolly's songs that are shown in the documentary did you like best? Which of the interviewees did you recognize?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2020
- Cast : Dolly Parton , Jane Fonda , Kylie Minogue
- Director : Francis Whately
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Man Alive Productions
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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