Following the loss of entertainment icon Dolly Parton, action star Sylvester Stallone recently shared fond memories of working alongside her on their 1984 comedy film, Rhinestone, highlighting her unmatched kindness and joyful presence on set.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer and previous struggles with severe kidney stones. Beyond her legendary music career, Parton made a significant mark in Hollywood with starring roles in films like 9 to 5 (1980), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), Rhinestone (1984), and Steel Magnolias (1989).
Among her notable co-stars was Sylvester Stallone, who played Nick Martinelli in Rhinestone—a tone-deaf New York City cab driver whom Parton's character bets she can transform into a country singer. The musical romantic comedy, directed by Bob Clark, was inspired by the 1975 hit song "Rhinestone Cowboy."
Memories From the Set of 'Rhinestone'
- Instant Friendship: Stallone recalled an immediate personal bond and shared philosophy when the two first met.
- Crew Connection: Parton made a point to know every crew member by name and regularly spoke with them.
- Hometown Trip: Parton took Stallone to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
- Unmatched Work Ethic: Stallone noted that Parton never stopped laughing throughout the entire production.
During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Stallone was shown vintage archival footage from the era of the movie's release, where he and Parton spoke about their instant connection. Watching the archival clip, Stallone reacted warmly, calling it his favorite and remarking on how surreal the experience feels in hindsight.
"Oh, they went nuts. They said, 'Jesus, what a career killer.' I go, 'So be it.' You're never gonna have this chance again, it's more than working with an actress. It's working with a philosophy and a talent that is beyond, really, you can't categorize her."
To take the role in Rhinestone, Stallone notably turned down major feature projects such as Beverly Hills Cop and Romancing the Stone. Although his representatives warned him that the project was a potential "career killer," Stallone felt the chance to collaborate with Parton was far too valuable to pass up.
While Stallone initially envisioned the movie as a grittier, "down and dirty" project before director Bob Clark guided it into a lighter, campy comedy, he maintained that working with Parton provided some of the most enjoyable moments he ever experienced on a movie set.
Musical Legacy of the Film
Although Rhinestone faced box office challenges, its soundtrack delivered major music achievements for Parton, yielding two Billboard Hot Country Songs top-10 hits: the #1 single "Tennessee Homesick Blues" and "God Won't Get You," which reached #10.
Reflecting on her modest beginnings, Stallone recalled visiting East Tennessee alongside Parton, remembering her infectious sense of humor and deep humility. Their friendship endured throughout the years, standing as a testament to Parton's lasting impact on those around her.
