DOLLY
I met Dolly in 1982.
I was in charge of Studio “M” on the Paramount Studio lot in Hollywood. The soundstage was capable of accommodating an orchestra of studio musicians (like “Terms of Endearment”) or a single vocalist singing to a preexisting soundtrack (like Dolly Parton).
This end stage of post-production often draws star-powered attention because it’s fun! The actors’ work is done, they come by to see the film cues on the theatre-sized screen opposite the control room, and experience all the pieces of the movie coming together accompanied by a live orchestra.
During my tenure at Studio “M” I met people whose names usually get top billing, Jack, Michael, Ann-Margaret, Mel and Anne, Paul, and now Dolly.
I decided to walk to the front gate to give Dolly’s driver directions. The lot is full of twists and turns and it’s easy to get lost.
“9 to 5” was a big hit in 1980 and the TV spinoff with a different cast was in the works. Dolly was coming in to re-record her famous theme song. In 1982, Dolly was certainly a big country star and, on the move, to cross over to the wider pop market and to make more movies. But she didn’t drive up in a limo or with an entourage. As her assistant/driver pulled through the gate, I leaned in and started to give directions back to Studio “M.”
“Don’t be silly, darlin’, just hop in. We’ll go together” Dolly scooted to the middle of the front seat, and I scooted in beside her.
“What’s your name?”
“Rebecca.”
“My name’s Rebecca! Dolly Rebecca!” Her eyes twinkled.
In no time, she was in the studio listening to the playback and singing right along.
That’s it. My brief, but clearly memorable moment with Dolly. But sometimes you just know the real deal. What a lovely person. How lucky was I?