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.