3 of Dolly Parton's Christmas Movies to Watch on NBC in December 2023
Three great festive movies to kick off the festivities.
This holiday season, NBC is treating viewers to three of the best Dolly Parton Christmas movies:
- Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors
- Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas
- Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love
Below, we’ll provide a little info about each of the movies (no spoilers) and let you know when you can catch them on NBC this Christmas.
1. Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors (2015)
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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
Airs on NBC December 15 at 8/7c
Okay, so this isn't actually a Christmas movie. But it's the prequel to Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, and watching it first will help you appreciate that movie better.
The title of this film comes from Dolly's song of the same name. And it tells the story of her humble beginnings and the upbringing that helped make her the person she is today. One of twelve children born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton, the country music legend was born in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee, but rose to become a global megastar and philanthropist.
Coat of Many Colors still conveys those traditional holiday vibes of overcoming adversity, believing in the future and discovering what really matters in life. It tells the story of a close-knit family who face hardship and overcome tragedy in their lives through faith, willpower and togetherness.
And, of course, at the heart of the story is a gift that changes a child's life forever.
Alyvia Alyn Lind stars as the young Dolly Parton, with Jennifer Nettles and Ricky Schroder as her parents.
2. Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas (2022)
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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%
Airs on NBC December 21 at 9/8c
If you’re not already in the festive mood by December 21, this movie will get you jingling your bells.
Set in Dollywood, it’s an extravaganza of glitter, tinsel and everything Christmassy. This is feel-good Christmas Dolly style.
The movie tells the story of what goes on behind the scenes during the making of a network TV special. But, of course, there’s so much more to it. Dolly Parton plays herself and, throughout the movie, she is taken on a journey of discovery by three wise men. Along the way (ok, one tiny spoiler) she learns the true meaning of Christmas.
If you find A Christmas Carol a bit of a slog, give this film a try. It has a similar message but far more fun on the journey.
It has a stellar cast, including other country music legends such as Willie Nelson, Billy Ray (and Miley) Cyrus, and stars like Jimmy Fallon. Go on, treat yourself – it’s Christmas!
3. Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016)
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Airs on NBC December 22 at 8/7c
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
Released a year after Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors, this film is based on one of the singer's childhood Christmases.
The main thread of the film follows Dolly's father making sacrifices to scrape together the perfect Christmas gift for his wife. Robert had never given Avie Lee a wedding ring and was determined to put that right. But to be able to afford the ring, his kids would have to make sacrifices too.
Meanwhile, a blizzard threatens to ruin the family's Christmas. Naturally, young Dolly is at the centre of the film. Over the course of the story, her uncle encourages her to explore her musical talents. And Dolly is befriended by a prostitute (played by Dolly Parton) who inspires the style she would later adopt.