Musical biopics are on the rise, and if Dolly Parton were ever to get a much-deserved big-screen treatment, she’s right in saying that Broadway star and actress Kristin Chenoweth would be the perfect person to play her. but because she is one of the most beloved figures in musical history. A biopic of Parton’s life would certainly honor one of the most beloved figures in musical history. From her roots in rural Tennesse to her rise to mega-stardom to her work in philanthropy, there is plenty of material within Dolly Parton’s lifetime that would make an inspiring and entertaining biopic. That said, it would take the perfect singer and actress to pull off being the iconic Dolly Parton.
In a recent interview, Dolly Parton revealed she’d love for Kristin Chenoweth to play her in a biopic, should one ever happen. Parton explained that she was considering creating a Broadway musical or feature chronicling her life. Originally she was resistant to the idea but has since come around, with the COVID-19 pandemic changing her mind on a number of things. She also teased her idea of there being a little Dolly, a middle Dolly, and an old Dolly to portray her life throughout the years, and her top choice for at least one of those roles is Chenoweth.
Dolly’s exactly right. Even beyond having Dolly Parton’s blessing, Kristin Chenoweth would be perfectly cast as she has the experience, skill, and reputation necessary to portray one of the most beloved musicians of all time. The two performers are both reputed as talented musical giants within their fields; Dolly Parton’s songs are beloved the world over. Beyond that, they’re both respected by their peers for their kindness and their philanthropic work. Beyond that, the petite powerhouse Chenoweth perfectly captures the equally pint-sized Parton’s spunky, outspoken nature. Both Chenoweth and Parton share a charismatic nature and forceful energy in diminutive frames that take people by surprise.
Dolly Parton is one of the most acclaimed singers in the world, and Kristin Chenoweth has the musical background necessary to emulate her abilities, having studied music since childhood including professional musical theater and opera. Chenoweth also starred in several Tony Award-winning Broadway roles such as Glinda in Wicked and Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She has also released several successful musical albums, including For The Girls, which, fittingly, featured a duet with Dolly Parton of Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You.”
More than musical talent, Chenoweth also has the on-screen acting experience to portray Dolly Parton in a musical biopic. She has garnered several Emmys for her performances as beloved Glee season 1 guest star April Rhodes and Olivia Snook in Pushing Up Daisies. Until now, Chenoweth has played many quirky side characters in films like The Pink Panther (2006) and Stranger Than Fiction, but her starring in a Dolly Parton biopic would be the perfect opportunity for Chenoweth to level up from being an adorable cinematic side character to a powerhouse leading lady of the cinema.
Though the Dolly Parton biopic is still only in talks, and Kristin Chenoweth has yet to publicly respond to Parton’s comments, the idea of Chenoweth portraying the country music star makes perfect sense. However, if Parton chooses to move forward with a new movie musical biopic as she has described it, it’s hard to imagine there is another star out there as well suited as Chenoweth to play Dolly. Only time will tell if the duo will collaborate on a film, but a Kristin Chenoweth and Dolly Parton creative team-up would be something special.
