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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Dolly Parton?
Get to know Dolly Parton—the legendary country musician who touched the lives of millions with her voice, philanthropy, and kindness—in this biography for young readers that’s part of the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series.
Born in a little cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton always dreamed big. She wrote her first song at age five and became a country music star by the time she was in her early twenties. Of course, her success didn't stop there. She was also an actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose "Imagination Library" reading initiative has sent over 332 million books to children around the world. Dolly Parton was more than just the Queen of Country—she was a shining example of positivity, kindness, and faith that impacted millions of people.
Complete with comprehensive, age-appropriate text and black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Who HQ biography of Dolly Parton is the perfect way for young readers to learn all about one of the most influential artists of our time in an accessible and memorable way.
Born in a little cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton always dreamed big. She wrote her first song at age five and became a country music star by the time she was in her early twenties. Of course, her success didn't stop there. She was also an actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose "Imagination Library" reading initiative has sent over 332 million books to children around the world. Dolly Parton was more than just the Queen of Country—she was a shining example of positivity, kindness, and faith that impacted millions of people.
Complete with comprehensive, age-appropriate text and black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Who HQ biography of Dolly Parton is the perfect way for young readers to learn all about one of the most influential artists of our time in an accessible and memorable way.
113 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
January 20, 2021
This was darling. Dolly Parton is a fabulous human. My girls and I loved reading about her. She is definitely a music genius and prolific song writer. Her philanthropy and passion for children’s literacy is beautiful.
September 7, 2026
Nice, quick overview of an impressive life story, most of which I was only vaguely familiar with. Written back in 2014 it doesn't feel at all dated, other than the obvious fact that she's now dead, and an unfortunate mention of her receiving "the Living Legend award...honoring people who have made America a better place, like author Maurice Sendak, astronaut Sally Ride, General Colin Powell, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and entertainer Bill Cosby." Sadly, along with Who Is Jane Goodall? (and as of just the other day, Who Is Gloria Steinem?), this one needs to be updated and moved from the "Who Is...?" list to the "Who Was...?" 😥
Even more sadly, her passing has already been politicized by our Shitbird-in-Chief, who quickly posted the below AI-generated image 🤬...
...and also told Glenn Beck (is he still around?) that Dolly "really liked me," describing her passing as "feeling like losing a family member." 🤮
As Will Smith would likely say, "keep our Dolly's name out of your #@$!ing mouth!"
Even more sadly, her passing has already been politicized by our Shitbird-in-Chief, who quickly posted the below AI-generated image 🤬...
...and also told Glenn Beck (is he still around?) that Dolly "really liked me," describing her passing as "feeling like losing a family member." 🤮
As Will Smith would likely say, "keep our Dolly's name out of your #@$!ing mouth!"
March 19, 2018
I've always liked Dolly Parton, and I've been to Dollywood, which houses a museum about her (you should definitely visit). So I already knew a lot about her. Still, this book taught me more! She's just a fantastic person - talented, savvy, and generous. I love that the author mentioned Dolly's Imagination Library, which is a wonderful literacy program.
This book gets three stars because it felt kind of choppy and not as well organized as other titles in this series. But five stars go to Dolly Parton herself!
This book gets three stars because it felt kind of choppy and not as well organized as other titles in this series. But five stars go to Dolly Parton herself!
February 24, 2016
Excellent book. I liked how it focused on her business smarts and her other accomplishments, not just her singing and songwriting.
September 15, 2026
There’s a lot of Dolly to cover in one little book, but I think Who Is Dolly Parton? does a pretty good job of it. And bonus points for leading me to Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album, which I somehow had missed!
I especially enjoyed learning more about the Porter Wagoner years and their eventual split. I had no idea that Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” about leaving their professional partnership, which gives a song I’ve heard a million times a whole new meaning.
Someone certainly worked hard on the illustrations. I can’t say the art itself was great, but there’s a lot of it, and it does help tell a very big story in a very small space.
My favorite little detail may be Dolly’s answer to how she’d like to die: at 120 years old, right onstage in the middle of a song. Too bad that wish didn’t come true.
A sweet, quick portrait of a truly remarkable person—talented, determined, generous, funny, and very much her own creation. Dolly is way too much woman for 112 pages, but this is a nice place to start, especially for young readers.
I especially enjoyed learning more about the Porter Wagoner years and their eventual split. I had no idea that Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” about leaving their professional partnership, which gives a song I’ve heard a million times a whole new meaning.
Someone certainly worked hard on the illustrations. I can’t say the art itself was great, but there’s a lot of it, and it does help tell a very big story in a very small space.
My favorite little detail may be Dolly’s answer to how she’d like to die: at 120 years old, right onstage in the middle of a song. Too bad that wish didn’t come true.
A sweet, quick portrait of a truly remarkable person—talented, determined, generous, funny, and very much her own creation. Dolly is way too much woman for 112 pages, but this is a nice place to start, especially for young readers.
September 9, 2026
Dated now, but still a decent overview of her life for kids. I don’t think the black and white illustrations show her beauty, but I have found that to be true in several “Who is/was…?” books.
July 20, 2017
I see why these biographies are so popular with 6th graders at my middle school. These are easy to read but highly informative and there are detailed sections of text explaining places/events/people that are pertinent to the person's story. My family vacations each year to Gatlinburg so this was very interesting to me anyway on a personal level. I can't wait to purchase some more from this series to keep my students engaged in reading informational text.
October 3, 2020
This was a great overview of Dolly Parton's life and music career. I loved learning about her early life living very poor and how she worked her way up to becoming one of the biggest country music singers. I also loved learning about the causes she supports such as childhood literacy. Such an amazing person!
August 14, 2014
I liked it. At age 10 she was singing all over the place. And when she was a little old people were dropping out of high school and everyone who graduated, she would give $500 dollars.
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January 3, 2017I think that it was a great book because it showed what a amazing women she is.
March 24, 2017
Dolly Parton is the best so much because she is my favorite friend and my family and she can visit us one day at our school or house in the neighborhood and in the country's and and cities!
August 19, 2023
I love Dolly although her childhood is so sad this summer i went to Dollywood I just love her so much! My favorite song is coat of many colors. I feel sad that the kids where laughing at her.😢
December 27, 2022
Love this series and I loved learning about the indomitable Dolly!
I had no idea how she grew up. There were nine kids and they had very little money. They usually couldn't even afford shoes for the kids. It seems like Dolly always stayed close to her family and was thrilled to make money so that she could help them.
That seems to sum up Dolly's whole life - helping people. She's always been generous and 100% true to herself.
Recommend to anyone!
I had no idea how she grew up. There were nine kids and they had very little money. They usually couldn't even afford shoes for the kids. It seems like Dolly always stayed close to her family and was thrilled to make money so that she could help them.
That seems to sum up Dolly's whole life - helping people. She's always been generous and 100% true to herself.
Recommend to anyone!
May 14, 2025
This was so sweet - cannot wait to give as a gift!
September 23, 2026
“Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.”
August 7, 2021
Dolly Parton is such an interesting person to read about. She has accomplished so much.
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March 15, 2019Who Is Dolly Parton? By True Kelley is a very interesting book. This book caught my attention because on the cover of the book I saw a lady with a lot of pink on and big blonde hair and was like ‘’I want to know who this person is’’. Dolly Parton is a person who grew up poor and became a star. She had a hard childhood , she had to walk 2 miles to get to school! Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee, she starts getting noticed in 1956. It was a hard time getting to the top but, she did it. Dolly started on music then acting! She was very active and always busy, she loved what she was doing and never stops. Dolly has won many awards for singing and acting. I started reading this book not knowing anything about Dolly Parton but, know I know a lot. Read the Book!
September 23, 2026
R.I.P. Queen Dolly Parton. You were too good for this world.
October 2, 2014
still like the series, this one's well written as the earlier series. liked the treatment Dolly gets. didn't know much about her before. I find it interesting that the book mentions that she likes the way she looks several times without mentioning BM (body modification). I really don't think that's the kind of thing kids should have to deal with right now, but I do think it is tragic that we have a society that requires do much make up and BM to 'like the way you look'. Dolly is not a good role model, IMO, from what I know of her, for self acceptance. good roll model for lots of other things. hard, smart work, compassion and independence.
October 13, 2016
I read " Who Was Dolly Parton" by True Kelly. As a kid she was very poor. When she was born she was in her house and a doctor came. She was a great singer right away and her parents realized her talent. She grew up and was a great singer.
I liked this book a lot and I would read it again but I need to focus on other books. I didn't know a lot about her. I loved how she went from poor to very rich.
I would recommend this book to people who love music or that would want to learn more about this book.
I liked this book a lot and I would read it again but I need to focus on other books. I didn't know a lot about her. I loved how she went from poor to very rich.
I would recommend this book to people who love music or that would want to learn more about this book.
June 13, 2017
The more I read the more I realized I know nothing.
I was not brought up in a country music scene but a book like this has opened door to many readers to appreciate country music and one very important country music lady is Ms Dolly Parton. She is a very talented artist who works very hard to become a living legend and she can inspire so many young people to dream more. I am very pleased to learn that she's a book lady who encourage the nation to finish school. That is impressive. I hope more people get to read this volume.
I was not brought up in a country music scene but a book like this has opened door to many readers to appreciate country music and one very important country music lady is Ms Dolly Parton. She is a very talented artist who works very hard to become a living legend and she can inspire so many young people to dream more. I am very pleased to learn that she's a book lady who encourage the nation to finish school. That is impressive. I hope more people get to read this volume.
January 5, 2018
I’m reading the books my kids read. This one was done very well and was tastefully written. When it was describing on of the movies that Dolly has acted in, it glossed over it and didn’t mention the title of the movie but described Dolly’s experience on set. I googled it, and found that the movie was called ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.’ Glad they chose not to mention that in a book for kids! Love this bio series, my kids are learning a lot.
October 25, 2016
Born in a little cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton always dreamed big, and she was right to! She wrote her first song at age five and became a country music star by the time she was in her early twenties. Of course, her success didn't stop there. Dolly Parton is also an actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose "Imagination Library" reading initiative reaches ...more
October 19, 2015
This book shows how dreams can come true if you work towards them one step at a time. It also shows how there are good and bad times in everyone's life including celebrities and important figure heads.
January 2, 2016
This book was awesome, because she ended up famous. I love books that have happy endings. I felt bad for Willie May because she had to take care of the family. I'm glad her and her husband Carl are still married to each other. This book will be sad in the beginning but get much better in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2016
Easy to read and good tool too.
I like Dolly's work a great deal. This little book is a good way to introduce Dolly to younger people. This is also useful tool to teach character traits. I like the short and factual books in this series. Well done!
I like Dolly's work a great deal. This little book is a good way to introduce Dolly to younger people. This is also useful tool to teach character traits. I like the short and factual books in this series. Well done!
July 9, 2016
Book 6 of my Summer Reading Challenge to the students: A biography on Dolly Parton, the glitzy little lady who can sing, compose, and play many instruments. She is also one of the most astute business persons in the entertainment industry
May 4, 2017
I have always been a Dolly Parton fan and this book made me love her even more! It was so interesting to learn about the life behind the famous person. This book would be great for a young reader who is interested in famous singers or music in general.
November 8, 2017
This book was very educational, I felt like I learned a lot about her and her life. I also felt at times bored by information that I really did not want to know or that I was not interested in. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys music and pop.
December 3, 2017
Another library book shared by my niece. Enjoyed it very much. I didn’t realize how much music she has truly written and the extent of her businesses. Very intelligent women. Very good book for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews