Dolly Parton has enjoyed seemingly effortless success as a singer, songwriter, movie and television actor, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist ever since she first hit the record charts in 1967. The sheer magnitude of her talent and charisma has created the impression that Parton merely fulfilled her destiny in becoming an entertainment icon.  But she had to fight for each major step forward, intentionally breaking precedents to follow her instincts, even when music industry veterans advised against her daring moves.

This book focuses on risks Parton took and turning points through the decades where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most widely recognized celebrities across the world.

It’s a wonderful addition for any Dolly fan. The 10×10 size format is album like, and the pictorial display of words and images make it an easy, yet interesting read. This is not one to be rushed through, but to sit down, take your time, and fully absorb the content. There are plenty of Dolly images, along with posters, instruments, outfit designs, album covers, anecdotes and quotes, and so much more. The varying use of font sizes and colours adds to the elegance. Grab this one while you can!

Available from University of Illinois Press

Michael McCall is Associate Director of Editorial at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, and has previously written exhibit books on Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, and L.A country-rock. A music journalist since 1980, McCall served as senior editor of Country Music magazine and has written for the Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Nashville Scene, Oxford American, People, and USA Today.

Allison Moorer is a Writer-Editor for the Museum as well as a singer-songwriter who has recorded ten albums and the author of two memoirs, Blood and I Dream He Talks to Me. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, American Songwriter, Guernica, No Depression, Literary Hub, and The Bitter Southerner.

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.