Dolly Parton released her Christmas At Home special in 1990, featuring her friends and family celebrating the holidays in Sevierville with a visit to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. Along with the show was her Christmas CD titled “Home For The Holidays.”
Dolly recalled what Christmas was like growing up, noting that she made the most of what she had, like using burned matchsticks as eyeliner and wild berries for lipstick as she could not afford makeup. Plus, her father, Robert Lee, thought it was evil due to their religious background.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas special was filled with nostalgia and family
Dolly Parton’s parents, Robert and Avie, were on the special, and Avie recalled being so poor when they married that she only got him a box of cherry candy and a handkerchief with $1 for Christmas, and it became her tradition ever since.
Dolly also recalled growing up with a certain Dr. Thomas, who could have made more money in the city but remained near the mountains in her area to care for the sick. Rather than cash, Dr. Thomas, who delivered Dolly, would receive chickens and corn meal in exchange for his services, and to Dolly, he was the closest thing to the Three Wise Men in the Bible.
Dolly Parton is always home for Christmas
Dolly and her family sang holiday classics like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” after which she closed out the film with a statement saying her heart will always be at home during the holidays. Fans of the country star can rewatch the 45-minute TV special on platforms like YouTube.
Dolly’s show has a timeless feel to it, as many come back to it decades later, noting that they prefer her real portrayal of Christmas over acting. “Oh my God, nostalgia! You have no idea how much this makes people so happy thanks for taking us back to the wonderful year of 1990 for 45 minutes, you are an angel!” someone gushed.