Thanks to some deft writing and the heartfelt performances by the lead ensemble players, “Jolene” takes some surprising yet authentic turns. ... With immaculate, polished, freshly varnished sets (including double matte framed portraits on the walls) and some conveniently tidy plot resolutions, “These Old Bones” is at times a glossy and overly sentimental memory piece, but it’s in keeping with Miss Dolly’s take on the world: A lot more sunlight than twilight.

Parton’s Madea-like role in the “Jolene” episode is a big part of its appeal. ... Heartstrings does not suck. Know what would make it suck even less? More Dolly.

["These Old Bones" is] a bit pat, and it’s definitely too long, but Turner is warm and peppery, Goodwin is likable, and by end of it, I admit it -- I was reaching for the tissues. ... More interesting, however, is “Jolene,” which isn’t exactly a folksy, feel-good number.

“Heartstrings” isn’t HBO-caliber TV but for viewers who want feel-good stories with a bit of an edge. this Netflix series offers a more expansive approach to uplifting programming.

I was sugar-shocked by the concentrated schmaltz rubbed across my face from the very first frames. ... It is . . . not for everyone. But it is for a lot of people, mainly people who just want to visualize better times and envision a world where women respect women who prefer bare midriffs and very low-cut tops and everybody is full of God-light.

Sensitive but sloggy 8-part anthology series inspired by Dolly Parton's music and produced by the glittering Tennessean bard herself: There are no twists or surprises that aren't already laid out in Parton's lyrics.

What none of [the episodes] has – not even Jolene, which actually has Dolly in it playing the owner of a juke joint who takes a young, motherless singer under her wing – is a scintilla of the wit, energy, humour, camp, glory or fizz of Parton. Each one is a squeeze of pure schmaltz from an industrial tube of the stuff.

I love Dolly Parton! Not so much this series of story's though. Not unless you want to be utterly depressed.