Dolly Parton: Here I Am is a biopic about the famous singer/songwriter herself. It uses interviews with Dolly and others to tell a story of who she is now and how she got where she is. My main impression after watching it is she is a tough, strong woman who knew from day one how to get what she wants. You can see it on Netflix.
Dolly Parton: Here I Am features Dolly talking about herself, her songs, and her life. There’s plenty of archival footage of concerts, movies, TV shows, and from The Grand Ole Opry Stage.
Using pertinent old photos and clips and interesting comments from people like Mac Davis, Jane Fonda, Kylie Minogue, Linda Perry, and Lily Tomlin, a picture of a savvy and smart woman who knew how to package herself to become a star emerges.
Dolly only takes off the wigs and relaxes into her true self in private. When she’s around others, she’s on. She’s Dolly Parton the star. She’s her product and she markets herself well.
Dolly Parton is undeniably a genius at writing a song. She says that’s what she’s proudest of her her life – being a songwriter. Very brief mention is given in the film to the kindnesses and generosity that mark her personality. In an age when millionaires only want to be richer and richer, Parton gives books to kids – thousands of them – and makes big donations to help others.
She’s earned her stardom with talent, hard work, and perseverance. She’s fought off men with grace and dignity. In many ways she’s inscrutable, but it’s all there in her songs if you want to analyze them.
You can check out the trailer on Netflix, but I cannot find one to include here from YouTube. Whether you love her voice and her songs or not, you will learn a lot about what a brilliant woman she is from watching this film.