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Dolly Parton Honors Her Journey in New Book


Dolly Parton at an event
Table of Contents
Dolly Parton at an event

A New Chapter Begins

Dolly Parton, at 79, is sharing her stage story in a new book called Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, coming this fall. This book is different from her others because it focuses only on her time performing.

It’s packed with unforgettable moments from her shows, full of big cheers. The book also highlights the sparkle and energy that made her performances so special.

A close up of a young man hand holding books.

Completing a Trilogy

Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is the last book in Dolly Parton’s three-part series. Fans already saw her open up in Songteller, where she shared her lyrics, and Behind the Seams, where she told stories through her clothes.

Each book gave something real and different. Now, she’s closing the series by showing what her time on stage truly meant to her.

Dolly Parton at an event

Written with a Music Journalist

Dolly Parton worked with music journalist Tom Roland to help shape Star of the Show. Roland knows the country music world well and brought that knowledge into the book.

His writing blends with Dolly’s voice in a way that feels honest and full of heart. Together, they made something that feels like Dolly is talking straight to her fans.

Dolly Parton posing at an event

Focused on Her Stage Life

Star of the Show focuses on Dolly Parton’s life on stage. It takes readers from her small-town performances to huge concerts with excited fans.

It’s not about how big the crowd is, but the special connection she shares with them. Dolly opens up about the joy she feels when performing live.

A man holding microphone in fist

From Porter to Parton

Star of the Show starts by taking us back to Dolly’s early days with Porter Wagoner. In the late ’60s and early ’70s, she was just starting in Nashville, nervous but excited.

On Porter’s show, she learned how to perform and connect with the crowd. With his help, Dolly went from backup singer to star, leading to hits like “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors.”

Two vinyl records and a coffee cup on a white surface.

The Breakout Hit

In 1977, Dolly Parton released “Here You Come Again,” and it changed her life. The song mixed pop and country, making her a mainstream star.

In Star of the Show, Dolly remembers the excitement and pressure of recording it. The hit earned her a Grammy nomination and led to even bigger things.

Camera on stand behind the screen.

Lights, Camera, 9 to 5!

Dolly Parton became a star in Hollywood with 9 to 5 in 1980. She played Doralee Rhodes, a funny secretary.

Dolly also wrote and sang the famous song “9 to 5.” She talks about how the song became a hit and earned her Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe nominations in her Star of the Show.

Artists recording duet song in studio.

Duets and Dream Collaborations

Dolly Parton talks about working with stars like Kenny Rogers and Linda Ronstadt in Star of the Show. She remembers singing “Islands in the Stream” with Kenny and making albums with Linda.

For Dolly, it was about more than music, it was about friendship and respect. Singing with them meant a lot to her.

Dolly Parton at an event in 1990s.

Packed With Photos

Star of the Show is more than just a book, it’s a visual journey. The deluxe edition features over 350 full-color photos, including rare behind-the-scenes shots.

Fans will see Dolly’s early days with Porter Wagoner, her stunning performances, and personal moments, giving an exclusive look into her legendary career.

the prodigy performing on stage during music festival

Tours That Touched Hearts

In Star of the Show, Dolly Parton shares sweet memories from her many tours over the years. She talks about how each show, big or small, meant something special to her.

Fans brought her joy with their signs, hugs, and happy tears. For Dolly, every concert was more than music, it was pure love.

Microphone on black stage with curtain and smoke.

2023 Halftime Spectacle

In Star of the Show, Dolly Parton looks back on her 2023 NFL Thanksgiving halftime show. Dressed in a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit, she sang hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” with heart and fire.

The moment went viral, but for Dolly, it was about thanking her fans. She poured her soul into every second.

vintage notes background

A Special Performance List

One highlight in Star of the Show is a fold-out timeline of Dolly Parton’s live shows. This eight-page feature shows her journey from small-town stages to sold-out stadiums.

It includes big concerts and rare, special dates that mean a lot to her. It’s a powerful reminder of her love for performing through the years.

Dolly Parton at an event

Dolly Reads It Herself

The audiobook of Star of the Show is read by Dolly Parton herself. Her warm Southern voice makes it feel like she’s right there, sharing her story with you.

Listeners can hear every laugh, pause, and emotion in her words. It’s a touching way for fans to feel even closer to her journey.

Excited young adults share and react to content on social media.

A Collector’s Dream

Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is more than a book; it’s a keepsake full of Dolly’s heart and sparkle. Fans call it a “must-have” for how it blends her stories with charm and style.

The design, from the bright cover to the little details inside, shows real love and care. It truly feels like holding a piece of Dolly’s world.

Dolly Parton at an event.

More Than a Musician

Dolly Parton is famous for music, but she also writes. Her kids’ book, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, is a sweet story.

She also wrote Run, Rose, Run with James Patterson, showing she’s great at telling different kinds of stories. Recently, Dolly dedicated a new song to her late husband, adding a heartfelt personal touch to her work.

Dolly Parton

Champion of Childhood Literacy

Dolly Parton’s impact goes beyond music and books. In 1995, she started the Imagination Library, a program that sends free books to children every month, from birth to age five.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a milestone, has sent more than 200 million books worldwide. Dolly’s commitment to education shows she cares deeply about shaping the future of young minds.

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