The BBC has commissioned a feature length documentary about country music legend Dolly Parton, it announced Wednesday. The documentary, tentatively titled “Dolly’s Country” will air on BBC Two this fall as part of a season of programs dedicated to country music. The broadcaster announced earlier in the day that it had acquired Ken Burns’ upcoming PBS documentary series “Country Music,” which will air on BBC Four as part of the season.
“Dolly’s Country” promises to uncover a very different Parton “a Dolly that is no less extraordinary, but far more authentic and far more surprising.” It reveals the genius songwriter behind the glamor; the private individual who reveals all in her lyrics; the modern feminist who doesn’t want to be called a feminist.
The film is directed and produced by Francis Whately, best known for his trilogy of documentaries about David Bowie “Five Years,” “The Last Five Years” and “Finding Fame,” the latter of which aired on BBC Two earlier this year. The production was granted exclusive and unprecedented access to the singer herself as well as her collaborators, co-writers, producers, and friends including “9 to 5” co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
Parton personally takes viewers musically and lyrically through some of her greatest hits including “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” revealing how they fit into her long and storied career. It also captures her celebration of the 50th anniversary of her very first performance at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and features footage from that original performance.
“Dolly Parton is a living legend and I’m thrilled she’s given her time to make this incredible film for BBC Two,” said Jan Younghusband, the BBC’s head of commissioning for Music Television. “It’s going to be a fascinating insight into her incredible career.”
“Dolly’s Country” is a Man Alive Entertainment production for BBC Two. Justin Gorman, Dan McGaughey and Hannah Dodson serve as executive producers.