Henry Winkler recalls directing Dolly Parton in her first television movie: ‘An amazing soul’
Henry Winkler recalls directing Dolly Parton in her first television movie: ‘An amazing soul’
Emlyn TravisWed, August 26, 2026 at 9:54 PM UTC
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Henry Winkler in NYC in 2023; Dolly Parton publicity image for ‘Mountain Magic Christmas’ (2022)Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty; Miller Mobley/NBC via GettyKey Points -
Henry Winkler is looking back at directing Dolly Parton in her first television movie, A Smoky Mountain Christmas.
“Everything that you wanted her to be, she was,” Winkler said on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and philanthropist died Aug. 25 at age 80.
Henry Winkler fondly remembers his experience working with Dolly Parton after the legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist’s death at age 80.
The Happy Days alum, also 80, opened up about his experience directing Parton in her 1986 holiday film A Smoky Mountain Christmas during Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“One of my first directing jobs ever was her first television movie. It was called A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” Winkler explained to guest host Jelly Roll. “Everything you imagine, she is, or was. Everything that you wanted her to be, she was.”
Dolly Parton in ‘A Smoky Mountain Christmas’Credit: 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
After filming, the director explained that he went to see Parton perform at the Hollywood Bowl and was blown away by all of the instruments that she played during the concert.
“I still… I’m talking about her as if she’s still here,” Winkler remarked, before describing Parton as “an amazing soul on this earth.”
When asked by Jelly Roll if they filmed A Smoky Mountain Christmas in Parton’s home state of Tennessee, Winkler replied, “No we did not. We filmed it here, but it was based on her life in the Smoky Mountains.”
The made-for-television movie musical, which also drew inspiration from Snow White, follows country star Lorna Davis (Parton) as she relocates to a remote cabin the Tennessee mountains for the holiday season. Once there, she encounters a group of orphans already living in the home and ends up striking a deal with them to not return them to the local orphanage if they don’t reveal her location to paparazzi.
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In addition to Parton and the children, A Smoky Mountain Christmas also starred Lee Majors, Dan Hedaya, Anita Morris, and Bo Hopkins. Parton contributed six songs to the film, including “Country Memories,” “Mountain Magic,” and “Wrapped Up in You.” Parton later included several of the film’s tracks on the 2022 deluxe edition of her holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christmas.
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Parton died on Aug. 25 following a bout with cancer, her representatives confirmed in a statement.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” it read in part.
Jelly Roll also paid tribute to Parton on Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, noting that his family would often listen to her music together.
He continued, “She was infinitely talented. She was relentlessly funny and adored by all. She might be the last American that everyone liked. We will miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Dolly, we will always love you.”
Watch Winkler recall working with Parton in the clip above.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
