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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is happy to announce a free public celebration of the life and work of Dolly Parton on Thursday, September 3, following the country icon’s passing on August 25 at age 80. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. screening of Steel Magnolias — chosen by public vote on the Robinson Grand’s Facebook page from among three films most associated with Parton — followed by a short live musical tribute from local musician Annie Neeley. The event is free and open to the public; no ticket is required.
Parton, born in a small cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, and raised in the Great Smoky Mountains as one of 12 children, built a career and a public identity inseparable from her Appalachian upbringing. She holds 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — the most by any female artist — and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Her Imagination Library has gifted more than 300 million books to children, and Dollywood, which she opened in her home county in 1986, grew into the county’s largest employer.
Steel Magnolias (1989), in which Parton starred alongside Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah, is among her best-known film roles.
“Dolly Parton spent sixty years writing songs about honesty and giving away more than she ever had to,” said Jason Young, Programming Manager at the Robinson Grand. “Showing one of her movies and listening to some of her music feels like the least we could do to celebrate an artist that gave so much of herself to this world.”
The screening is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the film beginning at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served — no ticket or RSVP required. More information is available at TheRobinsonGrand.com.
While downtown Clarksburg road construction continues, visit TheRobinsonGrand.com/directions-parking for current routes and free parking areas near the venue.
The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is located at 444 W Pike Street in downtown Clarksburg.
