Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' by Dolly Parton, Tom Roland

'I don't play second fiddle

in nobody's band

And I'm no backup singer
and I won't be a fan

And I'm nobody's co-star
I just play leading roles...

And I won't play a part
unless it's star of the show.'



Here it is, the final book of the Dolly Parton showbusiness history trilogy, that contains 'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones' and 'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'. Now it's about her life on the stage, in her TV and movie roles, and on her tours across the world.

She is the superstar of every show she's ever been on, shining brightly no matter what.

Even bigger and more detailed than 'Behind the Seams' and 'Songteller', 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' is an absolutely mega megastar biographical book, that chronicles Dolly's life up to 2025. In this archive also are photos of everything Dolly, from herself at her best and most inspirational, to her clothes, her concert tickets to places around the world, her concert and tour performance lists, and her album and music video lists. Also the merch, and additional Dolly book promos.

Goddess, how emotional, as well as entertaining!

What a big journey her life is! - the life of a talented, philanthropic superstar heroine.

A heroine who has made her butterfly dreams come true, and has never wasted her blessed, charmed existence, well lived.

Dolly Parton is truly an amazing, strong and resilient lady. Nothing and no one has stopped her from being her best, brightest, and most free, loving, grounded and down-to-earth self. She is true to herself above all else. It seems there is nothing she has not done; nothing she has not experienced; nothing she has not succeeded at; nowhere she has not been. There is nothing she can't do, even now when the Queen of Country Music has reached her eighties.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Dolly Parton is a star and an icon, known all over the globe, for good reasons. She is one of the most talented, accomplished, altruistic, generous, charitable, and important women in the pop culture sphere, and one of the best people on the planet.

She shall remain larger than life, and will continue to do good for others, forever.

Her Imagination Library is a must-mention, as well as Dollywood; most honoured, loved and respected.

Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe - the trio of female celebrity showbiz idols and icons who I admire and have read extensively about. I am a fan of women who are not straight, white and (predominantly) blonde, too - I am inspired and educated by them, too. I am all too aware of the issues surrounding privilege and double standards in a white supremacist, patriarchal and capitalist society, and I am an intersectional feminist, and will always try to do better.

So 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' - a most recent essential-read for every Dolly fan.

Links to my other Dolly book reviews:


'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones'

'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'


Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics' by Dolly Parton, Robert K. Oermann

'Discover the stories that inspired the music' - from the blurb

'My name is Dolly Parton, and I am a songwriter. [...] That is how I express myself. In a song, I can go anywhere and do anything.'



This giant book about Dolly Parton's life and the songs she wrote and sung is very personal, and indeed not always happy and positive. She is primarily a country singer and songwriter, after all. But 'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics' is clearly a labour of love, of passion and effort.

Covering 175 songs (out of over 3000) and spanning sixty years, 'Songteller' (aka 'Storyteller', at least according to me) is a deeply raw, vivid and vulnerable journey for Dolly, oftentimes bumpy and rough, and unflinchingly honest, heartfelt and true.

'Songteller' shows an imperfect, messy side to the revered Queen of Country Music. It contains her famous song lyrics, and she writes about the moments in her life that inspired them. Each song is personal, and she puts an emotional piece of herself - and of the people she's known - in them.

They are truly great songs.

Lovely, diverse, varied bunch of photos, as well.

Above all, 'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics' is a celebration of her creativity and genius. When it comes to Dolly, it's about feelings, the heart, and the truth.

It's about compassion, goodness, and love.

Hers is a life lived to the fullest and biggest, through all the ups and downs - all for love. If you want a rainbow, you must also take the rain.

Cheers to the rags-to-rhinestones global star.

My review of the other giant, themed Dolly book of a trilogy, 'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones', can be found in the link here.

Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones' by Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren (Primary Contributor), Rebecca Seaver (Primary Contributor, Curator)

'A Diamond in a Rhinestone World'

I admit I mostly skimmed this, to gawk at all the photos and the pretty, pretty, creative outfits. But wow does this huge book contain a huge collection, detailing the most stunning fashions of Dolly Parton's career.

It's six decades worth of pieces!

It is a big book all right! A gemstone gallery!

Absolutely gorgeous, dazzling, versatile, playful, funny, tongue-in-cheek, and competently, carefully and meticulously crafted and written. Oh, the sparkles and rhinestones! The bigger, the flashier, the more extreme, the better - as is the Dolly way! It also covers the various shoes, cosmetic items, wigs, and guitars that she has ever owned.

Dolly has always strived to be different, unique, and creative. She knows that looks don't matter, and you shouldn't care what other people think of your appearance - indeed, she wears whatever she wants for herself; whatever takes her fancy! Her free, limitless, delightful fancy! It's how she, as a star, shines extra; it's how she expresses herself, before people may get to know her for her big brain and heart. Remaining true to herself, her outer tastes reflect this very much.

Dolly is a jack-of-all-trades - and styles. She's a stage performer, who is also like a runway/catwalk model, with her fashion sense. Everything about her really does shout, "Go big or go home." It's no wonder she's a top inspiration for drag queens.

'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones' - what a behemoth of a book; a colourful biography/fashion album, full of gaiety in every sense. Beyond the clothes and rhinestones, how inspiring, heartfelt, funny, witty, open and honest it is.

In other words, it is just like Dolly herself.

What an icon.

Read my review of another Dolly book here (that includes further links to reviews of her other books).

Final Score: 4.5/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton: Country Wisdom for Life's Little Challenges' by Media Lab Books, Topix Media Lab

'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton: Country Wisdom for Life's Little Challenges' - exactly what it says on the tin.

It is like a short biography of Dolly, interspersed with details about her singing and acting roles, and with her song lyrics, inspirational quotes, and words of wisdom. Its photos, taken over the decades, are sublime and divine.

Positive, uplifting, heartfelt and inspirational, and even sad and bittersweet at times - the more challenging times of Dolly's career and life (up to 2020, and oh boy would it be needed then) - 'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton' (aka 'What Would Dolly Do?') is an honest, personal, raw, grounded, and hopeful look into the Queen of Country Music's life, and a treasure for any Dolly fan.

It is like a pocket book you can read in a day, and take with you anywhere, to look at if you feel you are in need of a pick-me-up. And a cup of ambition. A cup of freedom and love.



"I love that I've been able to make a living at something I love to do."


"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader."


"Don't get so busy making a living that you forget how to make a life."



For more on Dolly:


'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton'

'Dolly Parton: Ultimate Fan Edition: Little Golden Book Biography'

'My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton'


Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton' by Deborah Hopkinson (Writer), Monique Dong (Illustrator)

A lovely, loving, sweet, adorable, colourful, uplifting, and inspiring Little Golden (bio) Book about Dolly Parton for children.

She's always loved butterflies, hasn't she? And nature and the miracles of life and the world that we take for granted.

Read my review of the 2026 updated edition here.

Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dolly Parton: Ultimate Fan Edition: Little Golden Book Biography' by Deborah Hopkinson (Writer), Monique Dong (Illustrator)

A beautiful, colourful, adorable, dazzling and inspiring Little Golden Book, that is Dolly Parton's mini biography for children.

Published in 2026, the 'Dolly Parton: Ultimate Fan Edition: Little Golden Book Biography' is an updated version of the previous Little Golden Book about Dolly, which was published in 2021. It contains bonus features, including extra details and facts, and quizzes, colouring pages, starter writer lines and lists, Dolly quotes, and stickers. It also includes a dedication to Dolly's husband of sixty years, Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025.

What a way to start the journey of getting to know the woman herself! A precious, uplifting and hopeful little book. About bookworm Dolly Parton! The lady of no limits, and of infinite possibilities, happiness, fun and love!



"Faith, hope, and love are the three most important words in my life!"


"If I'm remembered one hundred years from now, I hope it will not be for looks, but for books."


"I've never tried quitting, and I never quit trying."


"If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours."


"I'm a softie in my emotions, but I'm strong in my will."


"I'm very real where it counts, and that's inside."


"You never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."


"I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love."


'DOLLY PARTON: One of a kind!

Dolly is so much more than just a talented performer. She inspires people through her heartfelt songs, love of family and community, and dedication to helping others.'



Final Score: 5/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton' by Hardie Grant Books (Editor)

Of all the Dolly books I've read so far, this little pocket book of her famous quotes and words of wisdom is my favourite.

Of course, Dolly Parton needs no introduction. She is one of the most famous female stars, icons, businesswomen and entrepreneurs in the world, who has been consistently popular and successful for over sixty years now. Upon reading more and more about her, and getting to know her better, beyond her literally thousands of written and sung songs, she is an exceptional; an incomparable and unparalleled talent, an inspiration, a dream maker, and an angel of a person worth admiring.

And a warm, loving, funny, self-aware, kind, friendly gal, who has always worked to put her fame and fortune to good use.

She is not to be limited to country music or the American South.

There are no limits when it comes to Dolly Parton. Not even her religion and deeply held beliefs limit her horizons; they are one part of her, and in fact, they inspire and guide her to love everyone and everything, and are one of the things that help her to be a less selfish and more grounded and altruistic person. She is genuine, the real deal; her own unique self, full of self-love, self-care and self-esteem, never fake on the inside.

She has been everywhere, done everything, looked however she's always wanted to look, and no matter how perfect she seemingly is, she strives to improve, to be a better person, for other people.

She will never stop trying to be better. She is truly amazing.

And from the quotes in 'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton', I gather than Dolly is like that worldly experienced and wise, hilarious, kind, gentle yet outspoken, cutting and no-nonsense grandmotherly type we all know and love, who while being conservative in a few of her views, still treats everyone she meets equally. The pocket book also showcases how much sass Dolly has!

'Pocket Dolly Wisdom' (they really should have called it 'Dolly Pocket') - prepare to laugh, and cry, and love, and be inspired by all that Dolly has to say.

She is working towards becoming my idol, alongside Madonna and Marilyn Monroe (other nonnatural blondes, my word!).

I can't resist mentioning: she's a great writer and reader of books, too. Imagination Library forever!


'Dolly's motto:

Dream more,
learn more,
care more
and be more.'


Final Score: 5/5