In September 1987, Dolly hosted her second variety show. The television variety show’s format was similar to "The Carol Burnett Show," a popular show in the late 70s.
Guest stars included country stars Tammy Wynette and Merle Haggard as well as television stars Bruce Willis, Tom Selleck and Oprah Winfrey. Dolly’s creative input helped the show evolve into a more down home feeling, a sharp contrast to the more lavish earlier episodes. She closed each show just as she did her previous variety series, with her signature self-penned hit "I Will Always Love You."
In 1982, Dolly starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the American musical comedy film, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." The film revolves around a sheriff, played by Burt Reynolds, and a regular patron who fights to keep a historical whorehouse open when a television preacher targets it as the devil’s playhouse.
The film was Dolly’s second appearance in a major theatrical release, her first being "9 to 5." The film was successfully positioned as a star vehicle for Dolly and Burt Reynolds.
With a budget of $35 million and gross box office sales of $69 million, the film was a huge success. It earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Dolly.