Williams-Paisley looked back on filming ‘Heartstrings’ with Parton following news of the country legend’s death at age 80 on Aug. 25
NEED TO KNOW
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley reflected on working with Dolly Parton on Netflix’s Heartstrings and their memorable scene during a storm
- Williams-Paisley praised Parton’s kindness, talent, and professionalism, calling her presence calming and transformative on set
- Parton’s death at 80 prompted tributes from Williams-Paisley, her husband Brad Paisley and others honoring her legacy and impact
Kimberly Williams-Paisley is looking back on her time working with the late Dolly Parton.
Parton died at age 80 in Nashville on Aug. 25, and Williams-Paisley, 54, took to Instagram hours after the news broke to reflect on filming an episode of the Netflix anthology series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings with the country music legend.
The actress and wife of country star Brad Paisley shared, “I first met Dolly Parton when she and Brad recorded ‘When I Get Where I’m Going.’ She was immediately approachable, funny, kind, and generous. And her voice! Well, it pierced my soul in the best way, and added so much to an already beautiful song.”
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Williams-Paisley then opened up about her experience filming an episode of Heartstrings that brought the story of Parton’s hit “Jolene” to life. “Years later, I got to work with her on her Heartstrings series for @netflix. We had a scene together in ‘Jolene’ outside in a bandstand,” she explained.
“On the day we filmed, there were crazy winds and sideways rain. We were trying to keep a strict schedule and so we soldiered on in the storm. My hair, my wardrobe, my script pages were flying every which way as we got ready to shoot,” added the Father of the Bride star. “When Dolly arrived, it was like the storm stopped, but only around her. She glided across the stage, looking gorgeous and prepared as always, with not ONE HAIR out of place. It must have been the Dolly effect.”
The actress’ post concluded with her thoughts on Parton’s life and career. “Dolly did so much good in her beautiful life on earth, from helping kids learn to love to read, to inspiring so many people to love each other well,” she wrote. “In addition to her astounding talent, she was an incredible business woman and philanthropist. Dolly will always live on in her music and in our hearts. And we will always love her.”
Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings consisted of eight episodes inspired by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member’s songs “Jolene,” “Two Doors Down,” “If I Had Wings,” “Cracker Jack,” “Down from Dover,” “Sugar Hill,” “J.J. Sneed” and “These Old Bones.”
In addition to Williams-Paisley and Parton, the “Jolene” episode starred Julianne Hough, Dallas Roberts, Braxton Bjerken, Wynn Everett and Scott Reeves.
Kimberly’s husband Brad also paid tribute to Parton on Aug. 25 via Instagram by sharing a video set to the two artists’ 2005 duet, “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone,” wrote Brad. “She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced news of her death in an Instagram video on Aug. 25. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” he said.
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