For years, Burt Reynolds tried everything to convince Dolly Parton to star in one of his films, never giving up. ML
Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds: A Tumultuous Collaboration
Burt Reynolds had long tried to convince Dolly Parton to star in a film.
In the 1980s, the two stars finally collaborated on the musical film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Although the project generated significant interest in the film industry, the shoot was marked by difficulties that tarnished their experience.
A Shared Dream in the Late 1970s
By the late 1970s, Dolly Parton’s career was taking off. She was gradually moving away from a strictly country audience to reach a broader one. According to Lawrence Grobel, “Burt Reynolds also wanted her to co-star in WW and the Dixie Dancekings and in several other films.” The desire to work together became mutual, and Parton eventually saw the Broadway success of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as the perfect project to begin their collaboration.
Tensions on Set
Despite their perceived chemistry, which sparked rumors of a romance, the experience was not enjoyable for Parton. She revealed that she was at a low point in her personal life at the time, while Reynolds was recovering from a difficult relationship with Sally Field. In her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, she describes a scene where Reynolds had to lift her but struggled physically during filming: “I was really heavy at the time. Every time, Burt would groan a little louder.”
This uncomfortable situation likely contributed to the frictions on set. After filming, Reynolds even underwent surgery for a hernia.
Unfulfilled Romantic Expectations
Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, Parton had hoped to see a romance develop between their characters. When asked if she wished for more romantic scenes with Reynolds, she joked in a Rolling Stone interview: “I was just joking. I wouldn’t miss my chance to kiss Burt Reynolds.” She suggested that it could have disappointed viewers if no romantic expression appeared on screen.
The story of Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds illustrates how the dynamic between two stars can be complicated by personal and professional struggles, even when there is a clear desire to create something remarkable together on the big screen.
