‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ keeps your coffee and hearts warm this morning at inaugural Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, Texas.
‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ is a wonderful 45-minute documentary that screened this morning at inaugural Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, Texas, offering an insightful and heartwarming look into the life of one of country music’s most beloved and enduring icons. Directed by Hannah Summer, the film chronicles Dolly’s rise from her humble beginnings in the mountains of Tennessee to her transformation into a global superstar and philanthropist. In such a short runtime, Summer’s ability to encapsulate the depth and richness of Dolly Parton’s multifaceted life is nothing short of astonishing.
‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ opens with an evocative portrayal of Dolly’s early life, which took place in the back room of a cabin along Tennessee’s Little Pigeon River. Born into extreme poverty as the fourth of 12 children, Dolly’s origins were humble, with her birth paid for by a bag of cornmeal. This sets the stage for a story about perseverance, grit, and unshakable ambition. Summer seamlessly weaves together Dolly’s rise to fame, starting with her early days singing hymns at age six in church, to her breakout career in Nashville, where she became known not only for her songwriting and vocal prowess but also for her larger-than-life personality and unyielding positivity.
‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ shines a light on Dolly’s extraordinary ability to balance her career with her philanthropic endeavors. We learn about her charitable foundation, particularly the Imagination Library, which has distributed millions of books to children. The film also touches on her business ventures, including Dollywood, a theme park she built from the ground up, as well as her other successful enterprises like a dinner theater, water park, and stampede show.
One of the film’s standout features is its exploration of Dolly’s persona. Her trademark big hair, sparkling stage presence, and infectious optimism are captured in vivid detail, but the documentary also reveals the more personal side of this legendary figure. The combination of Dolly’s immense talent and her genuine warmth shines through in every frame, making it clear why she has won the hearts of fans around the world.
One small oversight in the documentary is the lack of information regarding the narrator. While the voice guiding the story is captivating, suited to the film’s tone, ‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ never reveals who it is in the credits, which left me curious. It would have been a nice touch to include this detail, as the voice adds an extra layer of warmth and familiarity to the film.
For more screenings this weekend at at the inaugural Round Top Film Festival visit: https://www.roundtopfilmfest.org/.
Summary
‘Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart‘ is a compelling and heartening tribute to Dolly Parton—a woman who has built an empire from nothing and, through her unflagging kindness and drive, continues to inspire millions. Directed with grace and precision by Hannah Summer, this documentary captures the spirit of Dolly Parton in a way that is as charming, enduring, and uplifting as the woman herself.
