I wasn't born when Dolly Parton's TV show Dolly originally aired. Nor can I even claim to be that familiar with her musical repertoire. So I'm not exactly sure where the intense nostalgia bubbling up in my chest as I watched Dolly Parton and Friends came from. One thing I am sure of, though — Dolly Parton is undeniable. And Dolly Parton and Friends, a collection of six episodes of her show Dolly (1976-1977), shows Dolly at her finest — singing songs, hanging out with her friends and dressing up. Featured performers include Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, Ronnie Milsap, Rod McKuen, Emmylou Harris, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr. and even Dolly's younger brother, Randy Parton. While guests change each episode, many aspects of the show remain the same: the blue and pink twinkling-butterfly intro, the low-tech set that looks like it's out of a production of The Nutcracker, the over-the-top costumes, the bouffant hair, the endearing chatter. From what I can tell, Dolly is Dolly Parton's fantasyland. She gives it away in one episode when she reveals that she always thought life should be one long fairytale, that she should get to do things like ride on a red, velvet swing. And ride on a red, velvet swing she does — onto the stage at the beginning of every episode.
And at the end of each show, the camera zooms in. Dolly looks straight at you. She begins speaking slowly, thoughtfully. Musical notes begin to twinkle in the background. Soon, she's belting out "I Will Always Love You." The camera stays fixed on her, her eyes remain fixed on you. Trust me, it will get you every time. Whether you're a Dolly Parton fan, a '70s television aficionado or just partial to a light-hearted, down-home good time, Dolly Parton and Friends is sure to make you smile in spite of yourself. — Kristin Gangwer
DVD EXTRAS: Both discs include a "bonus song," which Dolly is shown performing live on The Porter Wagoner Show. Extras are minimal, to say the least, yet somehow that's fitting.