DOLLY THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION. (DVD Artwork). ©Time Life.
By ANGELA DAWSON
Front Row Features
HOLLYWOOD—For more than a half-century, Dolly Parton has been synonymous with Country music.
The Tennessee-born vocalist and songwriter has composed more than 3,000 songs, with 25 of them reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Her music has been RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum. The Queen of Country also is an accomplished actress, television personality, philanthropist, business tycoon, beauty and fashion icon and national treasure.
But to her millions of fans, she’s known simply as Dolly. From her start in Nashville in the mid-’60s to her Hollywood debut and beyond the petite performer has done it all—and in six-inch heels.
Now, just in time for holiday gift-giving, the incredible highlights of Dolly’s remarkable career are together in a one-of-a-kind 19-DVD deluxe box set called “Dolly: The Ultimate Collection.”
From her early appearances in the ’60s through her own star-studded variety shows in the ’70s and ’80s, to concerts, interviews, TV appearances and blockbuster collaborations with her closest friends, this iconic powerhouse is still going strong at 74.
“It’s been an amazing journey and you’ll find some of my most precious highlights included here in this collection.” Dolly said, in a statement. “Thank you to the wonderful folks at Time Life for putting this together. What a delightful trip down memory lane. Just the hairstyles and outfits alone are worth a look and I’m surprised there are still any rhinestones left in this world. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I did.”
The set comes in an elegant turquoise box containing star-studded episodes of Dolly’s variety shows from the ’70s & ’80s with guest appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Freddy Fender, Burt Reynolds, Miss Piggy, Merle Haggard, Smokey Robinson & The Temptations, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and others. It also includes seven episodes of “The Porter Wagoner Show,” that aired from 1967-1974 featuring historic performances by Parton singing her hits “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Mule Skinner Blues,” and her very first appearance where she sang the tongue-in-cheek “Dumb Blonde.”
Also included is a special Christmas disc featuring “A Down Home Country Christmas” with the late, great Mac Davis and Burl Ives, and “Bob Hope’s Jolly Christmas Show.”
More recent performances also are in the box set including Dolly’s spectacular “Live and Well” concert from 2002 and her unforgettable 2009 “Live from London” concert, with bonus features.
The box set contains exclusive, complete, and never before seen interviews with colleagues she’s collaborated with as well as those for whom she’s influenced, including Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Kenny Rogers, Marty Stuart, Lily Tomlin and Carrie Underwood.
Besides her musical performances, fans will get to relive Dolly’s University of Tennessee Commencement address and her Imagination Library dedication ceremony at The Library of Congress.
“Dolly: The Ultimate Collection” includes a bonus DVD with the complete authorized BBC documentary “Dolly Parton: Here I Am,” and an exclusive collector’s book filled with photos, Dolly in her own words, and loving tributes from her famous friends. In all, the collection contains nearly 35 hours of video footage, nearly 30 of which hasn’t been seen since broadcast, and hand-picked by Dolly herself.
Parton, who will celebrate three-quarters of a century on January 19, 2021, remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. Her songs have captured the hearts of generations. Her warm smile has brightened the lives of millions. And her trademark style is recognized across the globe. Join Time Life for a celebration of her iconic, unforgettable career with “Dolly: The Ultimate Collection,” available exclusively at TimeLife.com/DollyParton.
