Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones

by Dolly Parton

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE A beautiful celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic sense of style through entertaining personal stories, interviews with friends and family, music, and archival interview and performance clips.

In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.

Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, this audiobook spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.

Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.

Includes a Bonus PDF with exclusive images from Dolly’s private costume archive

This audio is narrated by the authors with contributions from many of Dolly’s lifelong fashion
Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren, Rebecca Seaver, Allister Ann, Ann Roth, Art Streiber, Aurelia, Bobbe Joy, Cheryl Riddle, Debra McGuire, Fran Strine, Iisha Lemming, Jason Pirro, Jim Herrington, Randee St Nicholas, Riley Hanratty, Robert Behar, Stacia Lang, Stacie Huckeba, Steve Summers, Timothy White, and Vance Nichols

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography, Music, Fashion, Biography Memoir

Audible Audio

First published October 17, 2023

About the author

Dolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946—August 25, 2026) was an American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Parton supported many charitable efforts, particularly in the area of literacy, primarily through her Dollywood Foundation. Her literacy program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which is a part of the Dollywood Foundation, was founded in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write. It mails one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten. Over 1600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to almost 850,000 children each month across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
--Wikipedia

Reviews

[Zoe]

At one point Dolly says that her pants are so tight that if she farts her wig will fly off, so, five stars.


ETA: RIP and thanks for everything, Dolly. I will always love you.

[Karen]

Okay, let’s just get this out of the way before I begin…

I love Dolly Parton. Everything about her. She is generous, beautiful, talented and totally honest about herself.

And…Her Imagination Library organization is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. (I always love it when those books are donated to our Little Free Library Shed.)

So…When we were invited inside her closet, why not enjoy the experience? Right?

Because…Whenever we see the public Dolly Parton, we know she is going to be well-made up, with gorgeous wigs, and over-the-top costumes that she is quite comfortable considering as everyday wear.

And…We learn all about it in her 10 chapters filled with photos that give voice to her fashion designers, costumers, makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers and fashion archivists.

These same individuals…

Also share their own personal stories of what it is like to work with Ms. Parton.

And…How can you not resist such chapter titles as: Isn’t a star supposed to shine? – or, Daisy Mae in Hollywood – or, Country Girl Glam – or Head over High Heels?

So…For readers, this gorgeous coffee table book is truly a trip down memory lane just watching her evolve through the storied pictures.

Her first words…

“Clothes are like songs. Just as hearing certain music brings back particular memories, so it is with certain outfits.”

And…Off we go. Turning pages and being mesmerized by her. (And speaking of turning pages…it was so readable, I couldn’t put it down!)

“I just wanted to be different. I wanted to be seen.”

Well…Look at her now. Different. Seen. Definitely not invisible!

It is a bit memoir that isn’t typical storytelling because we are invited in to see her through the ages via pictures and words…

And…You (the fan-reader or soon to become one) are learning everything you want to know about her.

And…As we come to see, pictures can tell a story, just as much as words do.

Which…Makes this book quite the journey. From mountain girl who desired to be noticed, to young woman, to icon who could sparkle as much as she wanted.

And…As readers, hanging out in her closet, we are given the most intimate details of her life.

So…Having travelled this visual journey, it isn’t difficult to say…

Dolly Parton, is a true celebration of life. Many different outfits at a time.

[Heather Adores Books]

RIP Dolly, a legend 🩷
3⭐
Genre ~ fashion
Publication date ~ October 17, 2023
Est page Count ~ 335 (10 chapters)
Audio length ~ 4 hours 21 minutes
Narrators ~ Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren - contributor, Rebecca Seaver - curator
Featuring ~ interview format with some songs

There's no doubt Dolly is an icon and a beautiful soul. A voice you'd recognize anywhere. I love that when people tried to change her she chose to stay true to herself.

We're taken through interviews about the various outfits she's worn throughout her decades long career. We hear from stylists that explain what a true delight she is to work with.

My daughter and I visited Dollywood a couple years ago, but unfortunately we did not get a glimpse of Dolly, which is super sad. I have no doubt if approached she'd be friendly and welcoming.

I give it 3 stars because I thought I was getting a memoir and I feel like I missed out by listening since there are 450 photos in the print version that showed her love of rhinestones, big wigs, and the colors pink and white..

Narration notes:
The interview format was performed conversationally. There were clips of Dolly singing that added a little extra to the story. I love her giggle, too.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Phoenix Perpetuale]

It was a pleasure to listen to Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton and others. There is an autobiography. Here, the listener could also hear her songs. It is written with the help of other people who have worked with Dolly, and they also comment on their time with Dolly while working with her.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar)]

As Dolly herself always said . . .



This is all about Dolly’s signature style (which she happily admits was inspired by the “Town Tramp” when she was a little girl).

If you follow me you know I’ve started listening to audiobook memoirs while walking. My turn at the library came up for this one when it was still pleasant outside and I was making my way to and from the park with a walking trail a couple miles away from my house. I could listen to Dolly forever and easily get a minimum of five miles in anytime she’s in my ear.

Every Star.

[Cindy Coats]

I received an ALC copy of this book from the publisher.

Honestly I would read a book about paint drying if Dolly wrote it, angel queen book goddess. I never would have guessed i would read a book about rhinestones.

If you are a Dolly fan, read it. If you aren’t, what’s wrong with you.

[Erin]

My Top 5 Dolly Parton Songs

1. Hard Candy Christmas
2. Here You Come Again
3. I Will Always Love You
4. Jolene
5. Islands in the Stream

Honorable Mentions

1. 9 to 5
2. Tennessee Homesick Blues

What better way to start off 2024 than with Dolly Parton.

I love Dolly like most people. I don't really trust people who don't like Dolly. She's been an icon not only my whole life but my parents whole life too. I don't know all that much about her life but I do plan on reading either her memoir or a biography about her eventually.

This is not a book about her life...or is it?

This is a coffee table book about her style. She talks about her style as a child ( her infamous coat of many colors) through all her tour, album, movies and award show costumes. Dolly Parton has a style unlike anyone else. Dolly is Dolly and we love it. She dresses sexy but not sexual if that makes any sense.

If you like Dolly Parton or just like style look books than I recommend you pick this book up. Its a quick read and the pictures of her clothes are beautiful.

Dolly's the best!

[Diz]

With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, I wanted to read something about her as I have fond childhood memories of watching her on TV in the late 70s to the 80s. This book presents the history of Dolly Parton's outfits from the 1960s up until just recently. Dolly tells stories about the outfits and the people and memories connected with them. I'm pretty sure that the co-author did most of the actual writing here, but Dolly's personality comes out quite a lot in the writing. I'd say that this is a good read for those who are interested in Dolly Parton or fashion in general.

[Kristi C.]

Being a huge fan of Dolly Parton since I was a kid, I loved this book! The audiobook was fantastic because of listening to Dolly, hearing a few lines of some of her songs, and hearing recordings from the past along with others talking about her. Since this was all about her dress, I will definitely have to also read the physical book for all the pictures. I am happy to read both though because she is fascinating and such a character!

[Gigi Ropp]

Every little taste I get of Dolly makes me love her more and this is no exception! I listened to the audiobook and between the snippets of songs, the praise from many people she has worked with, and her sweet and hilarious stories, it was love.

[Ellie]

5 million rhinestoned stars ✨

[Debbie Zapata]

A couple of years ago I saw a Dolly Parton interview at the Guardian newspaper website. This book, Behind The Seams was mentioned sort of in passing, and it sounded like something I would enjoy since I have loved Dolly since I was a child. But when I tried to find it in my usual places, I could not and it faded from my little brain, at least from the main areas of it.

Recently my mother asked me to order a book from her and while I was there I naturally thought what book could I order for myself? Dolly Parton popped into my head, I asked for this book and ta-da, here we are.

It is a big heavy book, definitely not something I could hold while looking at it, not with one wing still not quite up to snuff. So I sprawled on the floor and turned the pages slowly, letting myself hear the words in DP's distinctive voice, and enjoying all the beautiful pictures.

This is a book I will return to often, because even though I have never worn fancy dresses and costumes, I love to look at them and spending a little time in Dolly's world now and then will be fun.

[♥Milica♥]

Dolly Parton our international treasure <3 Had a great time listening to the audio, it's narrated by Dolly and some of the people who worked with her. I wish I had the ebook or physical for the pictures though, but rest assured I will be getting it!!!

[R.J. Sorrento]

Does it get any better than Dolly Parton? She seems like one of the few genuine celebrities who uses her power for good and has foregone billionaire status to donate and create many charities and foundations instead, from the Imagination Library to environmental work.

Behind the Seams focuses on Parton’s unique and influential fashion and the many people who contributed to her look, but it’s also about her life, music, and small beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The audiobook was a joy, and with its interview format it feels like listening to a friendly conversation rather than a memoir. The accompanying pdf document is quite generous at over 100 pages complete with full color photographs and notes about her fashion through the years.

Highly recommend this to Dolly Parton fans, readers who love fashion, and anyone curious about the icon herself.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.

[Maddie]

I love Dolly, ok, let's start with that, I love her songs, her style, her wit, her generosity and self-depricating humour. She's just the best.
I listened to Behind The Seams and it's just lovely. It's like sitting in a comfy chair and having a chat with Dolly as you'd with your best friend. Hardcover is beautifully illustrated and it's great to see all the outfits that Dolly mentions.
If you love Dolly, if you love country music, if you love fashion, that book is a must read. And audiobook is a great addition.

[Jenn ~ Smalltown Bookworm]

I listened to this on audiobook and it was just like getting to listen to an interview. Dolly spoke conversationally and there are song clips and various speakers. It was a great listen and a short one! The physical book itself is gorgeous. If you love Dolly or have a special interest in fashion, this is the book for you. I picked it up solely for Dolly.

[Monica]

This is an incredible book. The photographs are astounding, capturing incredible details. I love Dolly and I love fancy clothes; this book was a perfect weekend read.

[Mom]

A sweet collection and peek into Dolly Parton's closet. This book is a must have. The pictures are gorgeous and it's fun going back to see how her look has changed throughout the years.

[Donna]

I like Dolly Parton. I am not a country music fan but I have always admired her.

This was not a traditional memoir. She was asked questions about her clothes, hair, makeup, etc., and she answered them throughout this book. Other people in her life also chimed in on the same questions. I liked the way she stayed true to who she was, as well as who she wanted to be. She didn't compromise on anything that didn't feel right to her. And in her bright light she has succeeded while being steadfast in her own journey.

She was sweet and personable. I enjoyed listening to the audio. So 4 stars.

[Ask Miss Patience]

Dolly Parton is such a gem. Lighthearted. Thoughtful. Interesting details about her progression as a fashion disrupter. Borrowed Behind the Seams from the library on audio and Kindle to enjoy during a renovation project and not miss out on the pictures during downtime via Kindle.

Comprised of interviews, the audio set up reminds me of David Goggins Can’t Hurt Me on audio. Unlike the print, audio is completed with podcast style Q&A. Behind the Seam gives the same hang out style dialogue. And some interviews of hair and dress designers. Which can be seen in the print and pictures version, too.

If you’re looking for a fun jaunt down memory lane of Ms Parton’s journey this is a great text to add to the list.

After tackling My Name is Barbra lumping an entire career in a single memoir that’s 48 hours on audio, and at times political promotion mixed with contradiction. Behind the Seams is a refreshing shift through engagement of Ms Parton’s story revolving around her humble beginnings of creating her own clothes to her why for the unique career of outfits.

The audio is about five hours and the print takes a while because of the need to stop and check out the intricate outfits and costumes. Revisit quotes and or highlights about the photos. Delightful.

In a world where we can be anyone, be more like Dolly. Be different. Yourself. Outside the box. Determined. Kind. Thoughtful. Hard working. Creative. The list goes on and on with ways to win in life modeling ideals by this lovely lady’s example.

Dolly Parton is a musical and movie sweetheart amongst a sea of the sometimes pretentious mainstream music and movie industry folk.

If you’d like a light hearted walk down decades of iconic trends and reminders of fun times in show business this might be your next pick.

Many times this listen and read left me smiling recollecting my own memories. Since I’ve grown up with Dolly Parton my whole life enjoy revisiting her career and all it encompasses through fashion.

Fun fun fun ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[°~Litty Libby~°]

This book is beautiful. It's also lovely on audio because I just love Dolly's voice talking to me, telling her stories.
It includes interviews with her makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers and makers, and Dolly herself reminiscing about her style as it's progressed over the years. She talks about her favorite iconic outfits and gives credit to the creative people she's worked with who have understood her vision to be that Backwoods Barbie we all know and love. My favorite parts were the details about her hair, her choice to start using wigs, and her stylists' behind the scenes on wig styling and care. Dolly has at least 17 wigs to choose from for each of her appearances, each styled for that one appearance and taking 3 to 6 hours each to prepare for her.
To me, Dolly's voice is like Home. She is tender and fierce, soft and strong. She uses all that money she has to spread love to everyone she can. I adore her, and this book was a delight, as is everything she touches.

[Natalie Meagan]

This was a charming read, especially if you like Dolly already.

The book itself was a little different than I expected, not better or worse, just different. It featured more interviews than a memoir narrative structure. I could tell that the questions had been added in after the fact because the flow felt clunky but I really liked the insights and hearing Dolly’s sweet, familiar, southern voice telling her stories as well as the clips of songs and style moments from her career.

The word that keeps coming back to is “charming.”

[Kathy (Bermudaonion)]

I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton’s even though I don’t really care for her music so I decided to give BEHIND THE SEAMS a listen. Most of the book is an interview with Dolly with questions centered around outfits she wore at different times. There are also a few highlights from some of the clothing designers she’s worked with through the years. I enjoyed listening to this book - it gave me a feel for the woman as well as the entertainer - because I felt hearing Dolly’s voice added enhanced the interview. I’d like to flip through a copy of the print version since it’s filled with photographs. This is the perfect book for Dolly fans!

[Alison is probably reading smut]

Not too much to rate in regards with writing, because it wasn't a full length book but rather a history of photographs of past outfits, but I absolutely loved getting to learn some of the "behind the seams" of all of Dolly's famous and personal favorite outfits! This book was extremely well put together from start to finish and had the cutest cover and chapter pages I've ever seen! You can really tell how much time and effort was put into this creating this book and I would absolutely love to read more like it!

[LeeAnna Weaver]

The first time I ever saw Dolly and heard her sing was on the Porter Wagoner Show in the mid '60s. Dolly did a spot on the program each week for Duz Detergent, the laundry soap with a free towel in the box. Dolly would pull the towel out of the box and exclaim, "Looky here, Porter!" And of course, I LOVED her outfits and hair. Dolly Parton Behind the Seams offers fans a retrospective of Dolly's unique style. Readers learn about her designers and the history of her amazing wardrobe. The photographs are in gorgeous color and the narrative is interesting, chock full of Dolly trivia. I love Dolly for her amazing charitable works, especially Imagination Library which has placed over two million books in the hands of children, ages birth to five years old! All these years post-Porter Wagoner, Dolly is going stronger than ever!

[Summer McFadden]

I love Dolly so much 😭😭😭😭😩

[Ann]

I expected this coffee table book to be filled with photographs of bedazzled outfits and didn’t realize how much narrative, written by Dolly, would accompany those photos. What a delight! We will always love you, Dolly!

[Chintal]

I mean cmon. An icon doing icon SHIT.

[Jenna]

3.5

[Tommy S.]

A good book, but not which I expected...