Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors

| 2015

Directed by: Stephen Herek

Main Plot

"Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors," directed by Stephen Herek, is a heartwarming film set in the Tennessee mountains during the 1950s. It centers on a family facing financial hardships but rich in love and resilience. The story unfolds as the mother, with limited resources, sews a patchwork coat for her daughter, using rags and scraps. This coat becomes a symbol of the family's love and unity, reflecting the mother's creativity and the family's ability to find joy despite their struggles. The film explores themes of poverty, faith, and the power of family bonds. It highlights the importance of self-worth and the impact of bullying, as the young girl faces ridicule at school for her unconventional coat. However, the family's unwavering support and the mother's storytelling imbue the coat with a sense of pride and identity. Throughout the narrative, the family's deep-rooted faith and optimism shine through, offering a message of hope and perseverance. The film captures the essence of finding beauty and strength in adversity, emphasizing that true wealth lies in love and togetherness. This poignant tale resonates with audiences, celebrating the enduring spirit of family and the transformative power of love.

Characters

  • Alyvia Alyn Lind plays young Dolly Parton, portraying her childhood struggles and family life, highlighting resilience and love in a rural Tennessee setting.
  • Jennifer Nettles plays Avie Lee Parton, Dolly Parton's mother, who lovingly sews a coat for young Dolly, teaching her about resilience and love amidst family struggles.
  • Ricky Schroder plays Robert Lee Parton, Dolly's father, who struggles to provide for his family but supports Dolly's dreams and creativity, highlighting family love and resilience.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of the film, the Parton family experiences a series of emotional and transformative events that bring them closer together. After a devastating tragedy where Dolly's newborn brother, Larry, passes away, the family is engulfed in grief. This loss deeply affects Dolly's mother, Avie Lee, who struggles with her faith and the burden of her family's hardships. However, the family finds solace and strength in their love for one another. Dolly, who had been ridiculed at school for her patchwork coat, crafted with love by her mother, learns to embrace her uniqueness and the love embedded in the coat. Her father, Robert Lee, who had been working tirelessly to provide for the family, realizes the importance of being present for his children and supporting his wife emotionally. The film culminates in a heartwarming scene where the family attends a church service together. Avie Lee regains her faith, and the community comes together to support the Partons. Dolly sings a heartfelt rendition of a hymn, symbolizing hope and resilience. This ending highlights the themes of love, family unity, and the power of faith, illustrating how the Partons overcome adversity through their unwavering bond and shared values.

Stephen Herek Drama Family Musical Alyvia Alyn Lind Jennifer Nettles Ricky Schroder