Over the past two years, Dolly Parton has brought audiences to tears with two heartfelt TV movies. The first, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, premiered in December 2015 and shared a deeply personal chapter from her childhood—growing up in a small cabin with her seven siblings.
One of the most emotional aspects of the film centers around a devastating loss in her family. Parton’s mother was expecting a baby, and the entire family—especially young Dolly—was eagerly awaiting his arrival. During an interview with Home & Family, she opened up about why she felt such a special connection to her unborn brother and the heartbreak that followed.
«A big part of the movie was based on losing one of my little brothers,» she shared. «There were so many of us, born one after another, and Mama would always assign one of the older kids to take special care of the new baby. That baby was supposed to be mine. I was nine years old at the time, and when we lost him, it broke my heart.»
While carrying the baby, whom they had planned to name Larry, Parton’s mother lovingly stitched together a small blanket from scraps of fabric. After his passing, both she and Dolly were overcome with grief. In an effort to lift her daughter’s spirits, her mother repurposed the baby blanket, transforming it into a colorful coat—a now-iconic piece of Parton’s life story.
Years later, Dolly poured her emotions into a song titled Angel Hill, named after the special place where her brother Larry was laid to rest. She felt it was only fitting to include the song in the TV movie, featuring vocals from Alyvia Alyn Lind, the young actress who portrayed her in the film.
During an appearance on Home & Family, Lind joined Dolly for a touching performance of Angel Hill. When asked if they would sing it together, both eagerly agreed. The set crew quickly brought out stools, though tiny Alyvia struggled to climb onto hers—adding a sweet and endearing moment to the show.
Throughout their performance, the duo exchanged heartfelt glances, harmonizing on the chorus while Dolly took the lead on the verses.
The song’s poignant lyrics, including “I’ll meet you in heaven if it be God’s will / My angel, my angel, I’ll meet you in heaven, I can’t wait until,” are undeniably moving. The song delivers a powerful message of love, loss, and hope—one that resonates deeply with anyone who listens.
Watch their unforgettable performance below.