A vintage interview has resurfaced revealing how Dolly Parton taught a young Julia Roberts a lesson she would carry throughout her career.
While filming Steel Magnolias during the sweltering Louisiana summer, the cast attempted to cool themselves with water and ice. Roberts noticed that Parton-despite wearing a wig and heavy wool clothing-never complained. When Roberts encouraged her to admit how miserable the heat was, Parton quietly explained:
"When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous and I wanted to be rich, and now I'm both of these things. I'm not going to complain about it."
The response immediately silenced Roberts. She told Oprah Winfrey that she decided to remain quiet for the rest of the day and has "never forgotten" Parton's words. Whenever she feels tempted to complain, Roberts said she still imagines Dolly sitting on that Louisiana porch, reminding her to remain grateful. Country Living
The story came from a 1989 appearance by the film's cast on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Although clips had circulated previously-including around the film's 35th anniversary in 2024-the exchange is receiving renewed attention following Parton's death.
Roberts was only about 21 when Steel Magnolias was filmed and was still approaching her Hollywood breakthrough. Her performance as Shelby earned her first Academy Award nomination, while Parton played the endlessly quotable beauty-shop owner Truvy Jones alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.
After Parton's death, Roberts remembered her as a "magical and joyous human" and said knowing her remained one of the treasures of her life. Field and Hannah also paid tribute to Parton's warmth, humor and generosity. People
The strongest angle is not simply that Dolly offered Roberts career advice. While everyone else complained, Dolly-wearing more hair and heavier clothes than nearly anyone-refused to resent the success she had once prayed for.
