Dolly Parton’s 1984 film Rhinestone is being remembered in a deeply emotional way following the country music icon’s death on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Parton starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the musical comedy, taking on the role of country singer Jake Farris.
Released in June 1984, Rhinestone gave fans a chance to see another side of Parton beyond her legendary music career. The story followed her character as she attempted to transform a New York City cab driver, played by Stallone, into a country singer. The unusual pairing became one of the most memorable chapters in Parton’s film career.
The movie also produced a major piece of Parton’s musical legacy. Its soundtrack featured 14 songs connected to Dolly and the film, including “Tennessee Homesick Blues,” which became a No. 1 country hit. Parton later described her work on the soundtrack as some of her best, making Rhinestone more significant to her career than its mixed reception might suggest.
Now, after Parton’s passing, scenes and memories from Rhinestone carry a different emotional weight for longtime fans. Her unmistakable voice, sparkling style, humor, and larger-than-life personality remain preserved in the film, offering another reminder of the extraordinary career of a woman who became one of the most recognizable figures in country music and entertainment.