We could all use a bit more Dolly Parton in our lives
In 1982 I helped package the Golden Globe Awards on CBS. At the time I was a young agent at the William Morris Agency. That year, “9 to 5” had been nominated as the best song of the year, and Dolly Parton had agreed to perform it on the show. The awards were staged at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and once I heard that Dolly had arrived, I ran into the ballroom and found her sitting alone at a table in front of the stage, wearing a red sequined dress. Rehearsals were running behind schedule, so I sat down and introduced myself. As the saying goes, “the rest is history.”
Since that fabled night, I came to represent country music’s greatest icon first as an agent, and now as producing partners today. Of course, what underpins our working relationship is true friendship and mutual respect. Dolly’s career has truly been prolific. She’s had 49 Grammy nominations including 9 wins, 2 Oscar nominations, 3 Emmy nominations, and a Tony nomination. Moreover, she helps run the Dollywood Company that employs thousands from her Tennessee backyard in Pigeon Forge and let us not forget her Imagination Library, which has given away over 100 million books to young children. We should all walk humbly through this life, but if there’s ever been anyone who deserves a ‘thank you’ or pat-on-the-back, it’s Dolly Parton. She is an international icon beloved by the world because she loves the world back.
This past July, Dolly and I were graciously recognized by the Television Academy for what is now our 2nd shared Emmy nomination. In the category of Outstanding Television Movie, These Old Bones, an episode from our Netflix series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, is nominated at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards. It stars Kathleen Turner, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kyle Bornheimer, Tyler Crumley, and my wife Mary Donnelly Haskell. Written by Jim Strain and directed by Joe Lazarov, the episode is Dolly’s favorite of the series.
The song is based on a real person from Dolly’s childhood, who correctly predicted that she would go on to be a music star one day. Set in the 1940s, the story centers on a determined D.C. lawyer who returns to her small Smoky Mountain hometown to prove herself professionally. When a mysterious old mountain woman, who locals believe to be a fortune teller, threatens a lumber company’s business, a test of faith along with shocking secrets from the past are revealed.
The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on September 20, 2020, but our category for Outstanding Television Movie will be presented on September 19, 2020 at the Creative Arts ceremony. While I hope we win, I am already so proud of the work that Dolly and I have created together over the years. This nomination really has been the icing on the cake. In a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, I just count my blessings for we all have many.
When I think back to when I was only 10 years old, watching Dolly Parton sing on the Porter Wagoner Show, I’m reminded of how special, beautiful, and talented I knew she was. Today, she continues to be a light in my life and a part of my family. I love you Dolly!
