Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on Netflix: What is her new anthology TV series?

7 November 2019, 11:10

Dolly Parton has conquered music, movies, the theme park industry, and now is setting her sights on TV.

The country legend's classic songs form the basis of a new anthology series on Netflix, to be released around the world later this year.

But what is it all about and who will star? Here's all you need to know:

1. What is Heartstrings about?

   Heartstrings was first announced in 2018, with filming starting in November that year.

   In the original press release, it explained: “Netflix has greenlighted an eight-episode Dolly Parton anthology series, with each episode based on a song by her.

   "In addition to serving as singer/songwriter, Parton will executive produce and will also appear in the series."

   The series will focus on a different story each episode, with each instalment named after and focusing on a classic Dolly Parton song. Dolly is expected to pop up in some capacity in each episode, and will also act as the narrator.

2. Heartstrings release date on Netflix: When is it released?

   Heartstrings will debut in full on Netflix on November 22, 2019.

3. Are there any teasers yet?

   The first trailer for the series was released on November 6, which you can watch above.

   There are also a few promo shots of Dolly in the series:

   

   

   

4. Heartstrings on Netflix episode list and cast - who will appear?

   Each episode of the anthology series focuses on a different Dolly Parton track, telling Dolly’s stories and anecdotes behind each one.

   These are the eight episodes and the eight songs that will be featured:

   Episode 1 – These Old Bones – Directed by Joe Lazarov

   “In the 1940s, a determined young lawyer returns to her Smoky Mountain hometown to prove herself professionally when a mysterious mountain woman (Kathleen Turner), believed by some locals to be a fortune teller, threatens a lumber company’s business.”

   Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time) and Katheleen Turner (Romancing the Stone) will lead the cast, alongside Kyle Bornheimer.

   Episode 2 – If I Had Wings – Directed by Timothy Busfield

   “After receiving invitations to their long-estranged father’s 70th birthday, three siblings converge on a Mississippi farm, where they test the bonds of blood and issues of faith, all to confront the sins of their father.”

   Gerald McRaney (House of Cards), Delta Burke (Designing Women), Ben Lawson (Designated Survivor) and Tim Reid (WKRP in Cincinnati) will star.

   Episode 3 – J.J. Sneed – Directed by Terry McDonough

   “In the 1880s, a feisty young woman trapped in a mundane existence dream of more, until a seductive outlaw pulls her into the adventure of a lifetime.”

   Willa Fitzgerald (Scream: The TV Series), Colin O’Donoghue (The Rite) will appear.

   Episode 4 – Jolene

   Read more: The Story of... 'Jolene'

   “The title character (Julianne Hough), a flirtatious free spirit, wants to escape her hometown of Coventry, Georgia, and become a singer-songwriter.”

   Julianne Hough leads the cast of this episode, alongside Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride), Dallas Roberts (3:10 to Yuma) and Wynn Everett (Charlie Wilson’s War).

   Episode 5 – Cracker Jack – Directed by Liesl Tommy

   “Two stories — one past, one present — about the power of unconditional love between a girl and her dog. That same girl, now grown, questions what her life means and who she can truly count on when faced with her greatest fear.”

   Sarah Shahi (Bullet to the Head) will play Lucy Jane opposite Rochelle Aytes (Trick ‘r Treat) as Scarlett.

   Episode 6 – Sugar Hill – Directed by Lev L. Spiro

   “A married couple in their twilight embark on a road trip back to the place where they first fell in love, revisiting the history of their love story along the way.”

   This episode stars Timothy Busfield and Patricia Wettig.

   Episode 7 – Down From Dover – Directed by Erica Dunton

   “After being shunned by her pious widowed father, a pregnant teenager finds support at a home for unwed mothers, where she hopes for the safe return of the young man she loves from the Vietnam War.”

   Robert Taylor (Longmire) will play Reverend Covern, alongside Bellamy Young (Scandal), Holly Taylor (The Americans), Camryn Manheim (The Practice) and Shane Paul McGhie (After).

   Episode 8 – Two Doors Down

   “A family’s lifetime of secrets come bursting out during a chaotic and comedic New Year’s Eve wedding weekend. Will they make it to witness the 'I do''s without killing one another?”

   Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Ray McKinnon (Rectify), Catherine Dyer (The Blind Side) and Katie Stevens (Faking It) star.