by Dolly Parton
First published 2025
Dolly Parton opens her archive to document her performing career from its earliest days through her recent appearances. She begins with childhood performances for family members, then moves through her breakthrough moments on the Grand Ole Opry stage. The book chronicles her collaboration years with Porter Wagoner, where she learned tough lessons about touring life. Parton details her solo career launch at state fairs and acclaimed venues, eventually performing for millions worldwide in arenas, stadiums, and festivals. She covers her film debut in 9 to 5 and her 2023 Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime performance that reached 42 million viewers. The narrative includes her collaborations with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. Through 350 photographs from her personal collection and an eight-page performance timeline, Parton shares insights about maintaining longevity in entertainment while staying true to her authentic voice.
Genres: biography-memoir, music
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, rags-to-riches
Setting: Grand Ole Opry, Dallas, Texas
Period: 2023, 20th-century, 21st-century
336 pages · Hardcover · Ten Speed Press