Dolly Parton fans are getting another chance to see two of her most beloved films on the big screen. AMC Theatres and Regal have announced limited-run screenings of Steel Magnolias (1989) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) to honor the country music legend.
AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron announced Thursday that roughly 200 AMC locations will show both films from Friday through Wednesday. Aron took to social media to share the news, writing, “To honor the one and only Dolly Parton. AMC will bring back two of her movies to about 200 of our theatres.”
In his post, Aron highlighted the star-studded cast of Steel Magnolias, calling it “the acclaimed comedy-drama starring Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah.” He also described The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as a “hit musical comedy starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.”
Regal Adds a Charitable Twist
Regal Movies has also joined in the tribute, but with a unique twist. The chain announced screenings exclusively in Parton’s home state of Tennessee, and then went a step further by pledging that all proceeds from the ticket sales would go to Parton’s Imagination Library, a book-gifting program that provides free books to children.
“This weekend, witness some of Dolly’s greatest moments on the big screen,” Regal wrote in a social media post. “Regal is remembering Dolly Parton’s legendary career with a tribute screening of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias exclusively in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee. Tickets are $9.25, and all proceeds will go to the Imagination Library via the Regal Foundation.”
The dual tribute comes as part of a broader celebration of Parton’s enduring cultural impact, which spans music, film, and philanthropy. Her Imagination Library, launched in 1995, has become one of the most well-known literacy programs in the country, distributing millions of books to children from birth to age five.
A Classic Scene Worth Remembering
For fans of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the return to theaters may also bring back memories of a particular on-screen moment. Parton revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that she actively pushed for more romantic emphasis between her character and Burt Reynolds’ character once she learned she’d be playing opposite him.
“When they started askin’ for suggestions, I said I would like to see more of a romance. Wouldn’t you feel like you wasted five dollars if you paid to see ‘Whorehouse’ and you didn’t see me and Burt kiss? I was makin’ a joke, and I stuck to it. I’m not going to miss my chance to kiss Burt Reynolds,” she said.
The comment underscores the playful dynamic that made the film a hit, and Parton’s willingness to shape her roles to maximize their appeal. It also highlights the enduring chemistry between Parton and Reynolds, which remains a fond memory for many fans of the era.
Both films have maintained a strong cultural presence over the decades. Steel Magnolias, based on the play by Robert Harling, is remembered for its blend of humor and heartbreak, centered on a group of women in a small Louisiana town. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, adapted from the Broadway musical, is known for its catchy tunes and Southern charm, even as its title and subject matter sparked controversy at the time of its release.
The limited screenings may not run for long, so fans who want to experience these classics in a theater setting will need to act quickly. AMC’s screenings run through Wednesday, and Regal’s Tennessee-only showings are set for the weekend, with tickets priced at $9.25.
Parton’s legacy shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to these film tributes, she continues to be celebrated for her music, her philanthropy, and her larger-than-life persona. The decision by AMC and Regal to bring her films back to cinemas is a testament to the lasting affection audiences hold for her work.
For those who missed these films in their original runs, the current screenings offer a chance to see them on the big screen as intended. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic trip back to an era when Parton was conquering Hollywood as effortlessly as she had Nashville.
As the tributes roll out, it’s clear that Parton’s influence transcends generations. Whether through her music, her movies, or her charitable work, she remains a beloved figure whose impact is celebrated in movie theaters across the country.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/two-dolly-parton-classics-returning-to-theaters-for-limited-run