Dolly Parton’s blunt remark on complaining that put Steel Magnolias co-star in her place
Dolly Parton had a blunt clap back about complaining that put one of her Steel Magnolias co-stars in her place.
In the wake of the country music icon’s death at age 80 on August 25, a clip from an interview with the cast of her 1989 classic has resurfaced. Parton starred in the major Hollywood film alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.
While discussing her experiences making the film on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Roberts took a moment to express her admiration for Parton by divulging a hilarious on-set anecdote. On a particularly sweaty day, Roberts noticed Parton wasn’t complaining about a thing, despite being in costume, which included her massive blonde wig. It comes as Dolly Parton’s heartbreaking last ten-word statement before her death has been revealed.
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Roberts explained, “We were like – everyone had like ice on their wrists and doing the whole thing. Everyone was like, you know, ‘It’s hot. Can I get some water.’ And Dolly never said anything.
“And I finally just – I had to say, ‘Dolly, I mean, you got a wig, and you’re doing the thing and the wool, and I mean, come on, just like it’s hot! But just like say, ‘I’m hot. This is a drag.’
“She said – she – I remember we were sitting on the porch – we were sitting on the porch, and she said to me, ‘When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous, and I wanted to be rich, and now I’m both those things. I’m not going to complain about it.'”
After hearing that, Roberts thought, “Okay, I’m going to be quiet for the rest of the day.” She added, “It was the way she said it, and I didn’t really do it her way, or else it’ll choke me up, but it was this thing, and I’ve never forgotten it.”
Roberts concluded, “And every time I go to complain or just kind of moan, I always hear Dolly sitting on the porch and saying that, and it kind of keeps you quiet.” Parton replied, “Oh, that’s nice.”
In the film, Parton played the Louisiana beauty salon owner Truvy Jones, while Roberts, who was only two years into her Hollywood career at the time, played Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, a headstrong bride. The film follows a group of women going through life’s ups and downs.
After the news of Parton’s death, Roberts paid tribute to her co-star in a statement that said, “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Meanwhile, MacLaine, 92, wrote, “God sent her to us, and she has returned home,” and Hannah added, “Without exaggeration, Dolly Parton was one of the sharpest, funniest, and warmest people I’ve ever met.”
“She is just the best example of how to be a great human. I’m sure we will all continue to discover more about her humble, important, and generous altruistic charity work which, she would barely ever mention.”
Field said, “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”
Meanwhile, it emerged Dolly Parton turned down Elvis Presley’s request and ‘cried all night’ – but had no regrets.

