
Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton Inspires A New Generation: "You Be The Star Of Your Own Life"
Dolly Parton is nothing short of legendary, from releasing dozens of albums and hit songs over the years to maintaining her icon status as "Queen Of Country," to giving to charitable projects like Imagination Library and acting as a role model for younger artists.
In addition to recently being named MusiCares 2019 Person Of The Year in recognition of her vast contributions to the music world and beyond, Parton's latest release shows her inspirational side. For Netflix's new movie Dumplin' she co-wrote and sang songs for the film, which follows a young girl who finds self-confidence through Parton's music.
Parton recently spoke about the message for one the songs she wrote for the film, titled "Girl In The Movies." She wrote the song for the young protagonist Willowdean (played by Danielle Macdonald) and says the message applies to any young person, really.
"Don't just live in a fantasy of watching someone else live their lives. You star in your own role. You be the star of your own life," she told NPR. "You never going to know if you don't get out there and try. Everyone should try to find out who they are and really work that out and then be willing to stand by that and just be willing to sacrifice, stand up for it fight for it and just dream it on through."
NPR reports that the movie was written before Parton got onboard, with Jennifer Aniston, who plays Willowdean's mother and co-produced the film, reaching out to get the country singer involved. Parton felt a connection to the young girl's character and consequently added her magic touch to the soundtrack, which includes five new, original songs, including "Girl In The Movies," co-written by Parton and 4 Non Blondes frontwoman (and GRAMMY nominee) Linda Perry.
The Dumplin' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack also features new recordings of Parton classics, including a powerful duet with GRAMMY-nominated popstar Sia on "Here I Am," originally from 1971's Coat Of Many Colors, and with GRAMMY-nominated pop-rocker Elle King on "Holdin' On To You," originally recorded by Parton in 2007.