Details of Dolly Parton’s Netflix Anthology Revealed

If you enjoyed Dolly Parton’s two original films based off her song “Coat Of Many Colors” for NBC (and if the ratings were any indication, you probably did), then you will get eight more chances to delve into the magic behind some of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs in a new 8-part film anthology that is coming to Netflix. Called Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, it is being produced by Dolly’s Sandollar Productions and Sam Haskell’s Magnolia Hill Entertainment—-the same team behind the original two movies.

The songs each episode will be based on have been revealed, along with a plot summation of each episode, and the major cast members for many of the episodes have also been revealed, including Julianne Hough, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kathleen Turner, and many others. Dolly Parton will either appear or introduce all of the movies as well.

Originally the whole series was supposed to be housed on NBC, with a movie based off of “Jolene” coming out last year, but it was announced in 2018 that the series would move to Netflix. There is no specific timetable for the release, or if all 8 episodes will be released at once Netflix style, or one at a time. But new movies are expected in 2019.

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings Episodes:

“Jolene” – The title character (Julianne Hough), a flirtatious free spirit, wants to escape her hometown of Coventry, Georgia, and become a singer-songwriter. The cast also includes Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Dallas Roberts and Dolly Parton.

“These Old Bones” – In the 1940s, a determined young lawyer returns to her Smoky Mountain hometown to prove herself professionally when a mysterious mountain woman (Kathleen Turner), believed by some locals to be a fortune teller, threatens a lumber company’s business. Ginnifer Goodwin and Kyle Bornheimer also star. Written by Jim Strain and directed by Joe Lazarov.

“J.J. Sneed” – In the 1880s, a feisty young woman trapped in a mundane existence dreams of more, until a seductive outlaw pulls her into the adventure of a lifetime. Starring Colin O’Donoghue, Willa Fitzgerald, David Denman, Mac Davis and Vanessa Rubio, the episode is written by Jim Strain and directed by Terry McDonough.

“If I Had Wings” – After receiving invitations to their long estranged father’s (Gerald McRaney) 70th birthday, three siblings (Ben Lawson, Brooke Elliott and Michele Weaver) converge on a Mississippi farm, where they test the bonds of blood and issues of faith, all to confront the sins of their father. Also starring Delta Burke and Tim Reid; written by Jim Strain and directed by Timothy Busfield.

“Cracker Jack” – Two stories—one past, one present—about the power of unconditional love between a girl and her dog. That same girl, now grown, questions what her life means and who she can truly count on when faced with her greatest fear. Starring Sarah Shahi, Rochelle Aytes, Jessica Collins and Tammy Lynn Michaels; written by Lisa Melamed and directed by Liesl Tommy.

“Sugar Hill” – A married couple (former thirtysomething co-stars Timothy Busfield and Patricia Wettig) in their twilight embark on a road trip back to the place where they first fell in love, revisiting the history of their love story along the way. Also starring Virginia Gardner and Tom Brittney; written by Thomas Ian Griffith and Mary Page Keller and directed by Lev L. Spiro.

“Down From Dover” – After being shunned by her pious widowed father, a pregnant teenager finds support at a home for unwed mothers, where she hopes for the safe return of the young man she loves from the Vietnam War. Starring Holly Taylor, Shane McGhie, Robert Taylor, Bellamy Young, Camryn Manheim and Mary Lane Haskell; written by John Sacret Young and directed by Erica Dunton.

“Two Doors Down” – A family’s lifetime of secrets come bursting out during a chaotic and comedic New Year’s Eve wedding weekend. Will they make it to witness the “I do”s without killing one another? Starring Melissa Leo, Ray McKinnon, Andy Mientus, Katie Stevens and Michael Willett; written by Mark B. Perry and directed by Wendey Stanzler.