Sylvester Stallone has recently reflected on his experiences working alongside the legendary Dolly Parton during the filming of the beloved musical romantic comedy “Rhinestone,” which was released in 1984. In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actor shared insights into Parton’s character and their time together on set.
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Stallone recalled the initial reaction from his agents when they learned of his decision to star in “Rhinestone.” He stated that they were quite concerned, labelling it a potential “career killer.” Despite their worries, Stallone was undeterred. “I said, ‘So be it,’” he remarked, demonstrating his determination to collaborate with Parton, whom he regarded as an exceptional talent. “She’s a one-off,” he praised, calling her “a real icon.”
Following Parton’s passing on August 25 at the age of 80, Stallone took to Instagram to express his sorrow. He shared fond memories of their time on set, describing Parton as a “brilliant woman” whose presence struck a deep chord with him. In a heartfelt tribute, he acknowledged her ability to bring joy and laughter, emphasising that she “never stopped literally laughing.” Parton’s approachable nature extended beyond her performances; she made an effort to learn and use the names of every crew member during filming.
Parton’s warmth and charm left a lasting impression on Stallone, who recalled the camaraderie shared on set. “Everyone loved her,” he noted, reflecting on the deep respect he felt for her intellect and generosity of spirit. He often referred to her as “the Pioneer Woman,” admiring her resourcefulness and determination.
Stallone also recounted a memorable adventure that took place while they were filming in Tennessee. During their downtime, they visited a horse farm that specialised in breeding Tennessee Walking Horses, which are known for their high-stepping gait. Stallone was encouraged to ride a magnificent grey stallion and, in a whimsical twist, it was suggested that Parton ride behind him on the horse.
Despite having considerable riding experience, Stallone found this particular horse to be a daunting challenge. He shared the experience with a mix of excitement and trepidation, recalling how the stallion was akin to “riding a building.” With a hint of worry, he checked on Parton before mounting the horse. Her reassuring response, “Sure am, honey. Go ahead,” set the stage for an unexpected turn of events.
As the horse began to move, Stallone described the ride as a prancing spectacle. However, the joy soon turned into chaos when the horse stumbled, a moment that Stallone described in slow motion. “Oh no. It’s like everything’s going in slow motion,” he recounted, acknowledging the frightening realisation they were about to take a tumble.
The incident resulted in the pair tumbling off the horse and rolling onto the ground, a scenario both frightening and humorous in retrospect. Stallone narrated, “Oh my God, we would have been a couple of pancakes,” as he and Parton found themselves in a heap on the grass beside the horse, which had rolled down alongside them.
In a testament to her spirited nature, Parton wasted no time before getting up and laughing. Stallone recounted her exuberant response, “Let’s do that again,” which elicited a chuckle from him. Despite the precariousness of the situation, Stallone embraced the light-hearted moment, jokingly affirming, “Of course… I was just waiting for you to ask.”
Stallone’s recollections not only shed light on the bond he shared with Parton but also bring to life the essence of her personality—a blend of talent, humour, and an indelible spirit that resonated well beyond the silver screen. As the entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of Parton, it is the cherished memories and stories, like those shared by Stallone, that keep her legacy alive. In celebrating her life, many reminisce about the joy she brought to countless lives through her music, films, and warmth.
The contributions of Dolly Parton to both the world of entertainment and society as a whole remain unrivalled, affirming her status as a true icon. As Stallone so poignantly articulated, it is indeed difficult to envision a world without the extraordinary influence of Dolly Parton.