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Star of the Show: My Life on Stage
A stunning celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic career as a performer, featuring entertaining personal stories alongside 350 full-color photographs, including exclusive images and ephemera from her archive, and an eight-page gatefold listing her lifetime of performances.
In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.
Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.
Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.
In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.
Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.
Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
176 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Dolly Parton
125 books1,810 followersDolly Rebecca Parton is a Grammy Award-winning country music singer/songwriter, author, actress and philanthropist. To date, she remains one of the most successful country artists, with 25 number-one singles (a record for a female performer) and 42 top-10 country albums (more than anyone else).
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 22, 2025
I wasn’t expecting a coffee table book from my local library when my husband brought home this long-awaited addition to Dolly Parton’s collection of stories about herself. But that’s exactly what it is, and what a joy it turned out to be. This is an elaborate, 331-page photographic celebration of Dolly’s life on stage.
From the table of contents—which alone offers a tantalizing preview of what’s inside—to song lyrics, anecdotal stories, and extraordinary photographs spanning her life in show business from her beginning to the present, the book is both expansive and deeply personal.
The text woven throughout the pages chronicles her stage history while offering thoughtful commentary on the people who influenced her, the milestones she reached, and the impact those experiences had on her life. She even reflects on the microphones she’s used through the decades—an unexpected and charming detail that only Dolly could make fascinating.
The chapters are organized by eras of influence, such as The Porter Years and her journey from Hollywood to Dollywood, giving the book a clear sense of progression and evolution. It’s astonishing to see how meticulously her life has been documented: photographs of nearly everything—old calendars, diaries, costumes, newspaper clippings, posters, and more. Together, they showcase a life lived boldly, joyfully, and with undeniable purpose.
And then there’s the scope: a detailed listing of every performance and concert she has appeared in from 1957 through 2025.
Dolly Parton is, without question, a masterful artist who knows how to make an entrance and command attention. This book does exactly the same—beautifully, confidently, and with heart.
For Dolly fans, this is a lovely addition to one’s personal library—coffee table or not. It transcends its role as a display piece, unfolding as a richly textured reading and viewing experience, that can be returned to again and again.
From the table of contents—which alone offers a tantalizing preview of what’s inside—to song lyrics, anecdotal stories, and extraordinary photographs spanning her life in show business from her beginning to the present, the book is both expansive and deeply personal.
The text woven throughout the pages chronicles her stage history while offering thoughtful commentary on the people who influenced her, the milestones she reached, and the impact those experiences had on her life. She even reflects on the microphones she’s used through the decades—an unexpected and charming detail that only Dolly could make fascinating.
The chapters are organized by eras of influence, such as The Porter Years and her journey from Hollywood to Dollywood, giving the book a clear sense of progression and evolution. It’s astonishing to see how meticulously her life has been documented: photographs of nearly everything—old calendars, diaries, costumes, newspaper clippings, posters, and more. Together, they showcase a life lived boldly, joyfully, and with undeniable purpose.
And then there’s the scope: a detailed listing of every performance and concert she has appeared in from 1957 through 2025.
Dolly Parton is, without question, a masterful artist who knows how to make an entrance and command attention. This book does exactly the same—beautifully, confidently, and with heart.
For Dolly fans, this is a lovely addition to one’s personal library—coffee table or not. It transcends its role as a display piece, unfolding as a richly textured reading and viewing experience, that can be returned to again and again.
January 9, 2026
It's Dolly. Of course I'm giving it five stars.
January 25, 2026
very interesting and informative read. loved all the of the pictures and details it had and loved seeing her evolution over the years. learned a lot and would definitely recommend this to anyone, even if you aren’t a die hard fan.
January 30, 2026
I am not sure there are enough superlatives available to properly describe Dolly Parton. She is a spectacularly talented musician, songwriter and performer and has been all of those for decades.
But Dolly is also an incredible human being who truly cares about and tries to help as many people as her fame and good fortune allow her to do and that is an amazing accomplishment and contribution to the world. Her Imaginarium Library alone makes her a humanitarian of epic proportions in my opinion. But she has also contributed to and helped so many good causes and people in need.
She really is a force of nature and all of that is documented in this book in which she explores her long and storied career as a performer.
But what really strikes you in reading this book is how truly and genuinely humble, kind and down-to-earth Dolly is. Never arrogant or boastful, she just tells you about what she's experienced and always how grateful she is to have the opportunities she has had to do what she loves.
The world needs way more Dolly IMHO. It would be so much better if we did. This book is a fun tour through Dolly's life and career for anyone who is a fan
But Dolly is also an incredible human being who truly cares about and tries to help as many people as her fame and good fortune allow her to do and that is an amazing accomplishment and contribution to the world. Her Imaginarium Library alone makes her a humanitarian of epic proportions in my opinion. But she has also contributed to and helped so many good causes and people in need.
She really is a force of nature and all of that is documented in this book in which she explores her long and storied career as a performer.
But what really strikes you in reading this book is how truly and genuinely humble, kind and down-to-earth Dolly is. Never arrogant or boastful, she just tells you about what she's experienced and always how grateful she is to have the opportunities she has had to do what she loves.
The world needs way more Dolly IMHO. It would be so much better if we did. This book is a fun tour through Dolly's life and career for anyone who is a fan
November 29, 2025
Going through my memories on Facebook, I saw that some years ago a friend had recommended Dolly Parton's autobiography. I saw that Dolly had written a few books and didn't ask my friend which one she had recommended. I just got the most recently published one--which I'm now sure wasn't the one I had been recommended, but I liked this one fine. Almost everyone I know loves Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and many other country performers. Yet the Ken Burns documentary came along at a good time, because just prior to it many liberals and leftists were baiting country music as being racist!
(While colleges are essential for some fields, for the most part they teach hatred of the working class, which they claim is responsible for racism and reaction in general. As if the poorest element in society somehow had huge power, greater than the owners of news media, colleges and all sorts of institutions workers have no part in. And many were actively teaching Jew-hatred as a part of "socialism." But Jew-hatred was long known as "the socialism of fools," since most Jews aren't members of the capitalist ruling class, and most of said ruling class isn't Jewish. In addition, Jews have played an enormous role in the socialist and labor movements, and hatred (and guilt) have never been the major motivators in socialism--Solidarity, a word these people seem unfamiliar with, has been the main motivational factor in socialism and in all progressive movements).
(But hating the working class and promoting white guilt is a good strategy for people who live in liberal enclaves on college campuses and need to obtain labor-hating corporate sponsorship for their "research studies." A few years ago, many of these academics and their students preached the idea that "free speech only benefits fascists." A few years before I went to college, there was the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley! If your intention is to spend your whole life surrounded by people who you agree with, then I can see their point. But with the reelection of Trump (who these liberals, and the "socialists" among them are really just liberals view as a "fascist" without having any idea what fascism is) seems to have at least temporarily changed their views on free speech--That is they see it necessary for themselves, but not for those they disagree with).
(Oberlin College got a rude awakening when they were sued by a bakery/small restaurant/general store which the college administration had organized a boycott of and picket line against because they didn't think that being Black entitled a student to first use a phony ID to purchase alcohol, and when that didn't work simply stole the item. Students at Oberlin (including most Black students) are from very privileged backgrounds, yet a poll by the campus newspaper discovered that student shoplifting against the town's small stores was totally rampant!).
(The Socialist Workers Party has had its conventions and/or educational conferences at Oberlin most years since 1970, and no members, Black or white were ever mistreated at Gibson's Bakery. We sent solidarity greeting to the store, not the college administration, and the jurors and the judge also had no sympathy for that administration with its "you're racist if we say you are" attitude. The college had to pay the Gibsons $36 million for their arrogant slander).
(Then there's the idea--which is an attack both on women's rights and on science--that hundreds of young women are being born "in the wrong body," and should have puberty blockers. then hormones, and then surgery. This has spread like wildfire in the liberal professions--they are essentially creating a new "oppressed group" that otherwise wouldn't exist. Just a few short years ago, sexual dysphoria was only found among males. Most got over it; some discovered they were gay. A few, after living as a woman for years had hormone treatment and/or surgery. I'm not against such surgery, but it must be recognized that sexual dimorphism makes it impossible to actually turn a male into a female, or vice versa).
(The hostility against anyone questioning this should be proof enough that it's a scam. These days Marxists like me frequently find we have more in common with conservatives than with liberals, and contrary to what many think, Marxism has never had more in common with liberalism than conservatism. They each approach politics from the point of view of how to help capitalism survive).
Dolly Parton didn't need a college education to learn to write songs, nor did Bruce Springsteen or the Beatles or many of our most talented singer/songwriters. Patrick Stewart (see Making It So) also didn't need it to learn to love and interpret Shakespeare or to star in an enormously popular and generally quite progressive science fiction series.
When the Socialist Workers Party tells workers at their homes or on picket lines that the wrong class is in power and the working class needs its own party to prepare to take power, many agree. There's a whole lot of evidence that we're right. Musical and acting talent may be somewhat easier for someone with a working class or working farmer background to break into, but to think that one can't find all kinds of talent in the same milieu is nothing more than a form of prejudice.
Allow me to suggest a few books: Are They Rich Because They're Smart?, The Clintons' Anti-working-class Record: Why Washington Hates Working People, Labor, Nature, and the Evolution of Humanity: The Long View of History, The Fight Against Jew-Hatred and Pogroms in the Imperialist Epoch, and Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power.
(While colleges are essential for some fields, for the most part they teach hatred of the working class, which they claim is responsible for racism and reaction in general. As if the poorest element in society somehow had huge power, greater than the owners of news media, colleges and all sorts of institutions workers have no part in. And many were actively teaching Jew-hatred as a part of "socialism." But Jew-hatred was long known as "the socialism of fools," since most Jews aren't members of the capitalist ruling class, and most of said ruling class isn't Jewish. In addition, Jews have played an enormous role in the socialist and labor movements, and hatred (and guilt) have never been the major motivators in socialism--Solidarity, a word these people seem unfamiliar with, has been the main motivational factor in socialism and in all progressive movements).
(But hating the working class and promoting white guilt is a good strategy for people who live in liberal enclaves on college campuses and need to obtain labor-hating corporate sponsorship for their "research studies." A few years ago, many of these academics and their students preached the idea that "free speech only benefits fascists." A few years before I went to college, there was the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley! If your intention is to spend your whole life surrounded by people who you agree with, then I can see their point. But with the reelection of Trump (who these liberals, and the "socialists" among them are really just liberals view as a "fascist" without having any idea what fascism is) seems to have at least temporarily changed their views on free speech--That is they see it necessary for themselves, but not for those they disagree with).
(Oberlin College got a rude awakening when they were sued by a bakery/small restaurant/general store which the college administration had organized a boycott of and picket line against because they didn't think that being Black entitled a student to first use a phony ID to purchase alcohol, and when that didn't work simply stole the item. Students at Oberlin (including most Black students) are from very privileged backgrounds, yet a poll by the campus newspaper discovered that student shoplifting against the town's small stores was totally rampant!).
(The Socialist Workers Party has had its conventions and/or educational conferences at Oberlin most years since 1970, and no members, Black or white were ever mistreated at Gibson's Bakery. We sent solidarity greeting to the store, not the college administration, and the jurors and the judge also had no sympathy for that administration with its "you're racist if we say you are" attitude. The college had to pay the Gibsons $36 million for their arrogant slander).
(Then there's the idea--which is an attack both on women's rights and on science--that hundreds of young women are being born "in the wrong body," and should have puberty blockers. then hormones, and then surgery. This has spread like wildfire in the liberal professions--they are essentially creating a new "oppressed group" that otherwise wouldn't exist. Just a few short years ago, sexual dysphoria was only found among males. Most got over it; some discovered they were gay. A few, after living as a woman for years had hormone treatment and/or surgery. I'm not against such surgery, but it must be recognized that sexual dimorphism makes it impossible to actually turn a male into a female, or vice versa).
(The hostility against anyone questioning this should be proof enough that it's a scam. These days Marxists like me frequently find we have more in common with conservatives than with liberals, and contrary to what many think, Marxism has never had more in common with liberalism than conservatism. They each approach politics from the point of view of how to help capitalism survive).
Dolly Parton didn't need a college education to learn to write songs, nor did Bruce Springsteen or the Beatles or many of our most talented singer/songwriters. Patrick Stewart (see Making It So) also didn't need it to learn to love and interpret Shakespeare or to star in an enormously popular and generally quite progressive science fiction series.
When the Socialist Workers Party tells workers at their homes or on picket lines that the wrong class is in power and the working class needs its own party to prepare to take power, many agree. There's a whole lot of evidence that we're right. Musical and acting talent may be somewhat easier for someone with a working class or working farmer background to break into, but to think that one can't find all kinds of talent in the same milieu is nothing more than a form of prejudice.
Allow me to suggest a few books: Are They Rich Because They're Smart?, The Clintons' Anti-working-class Record: Why Washington Hates Working People, Labor, Nature, and the Evolution of Humanity: The Long View of History, The Fight Against Jew-Hatred and Pogroms in the Imperialist Epoch, and Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power.
November 19, 2025
What a treat to receive this book! As soon as it arrived, I was pouring over the beautiful color photos and the timelines of Dolly’s career! She has led an impressive and giving life; always helping others. I was fortune to stumble upon the audiobook so I listened to Dolly’s voice while flipping through the pages as she recounted her rise to fame. She jokes about her over the top appearance all while remaining truly authentic and generous. I loved hearing about the creation of Dollywood and how it created so many jobs for the community and also a place where her family of entertainers could perform.
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse @dollyparton @prhaudio for this gorgeous #gifted book!
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse @dollyparton @prhaudio for this gorgeous #gifted book!
November 17, 2025
I’m so glad I chose the audio for this one, although having the physical book for the photos was the perfect bonus. Hearing Dolly tell her own story felt so satisfying. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember, and this truly shows what an incredible life she’s lived while staying grounded.
The audio is packed with fan stories and little music clips, and it all fits together so well. Out of the 78 audiobooks I’ve listened to this year, this is easily one of my favorites. The writing is engaging, the stories are heartfelt, and listening to Dolly narrate feels like sitting in on one of her interviews. It brings everything to life in the best way.
She has several other memoir style books, and now I’m curious about all of them. If you love her, or just love a good storyteller, this one is worth it.
The audio is packed with fan stories and little music clips, and it all fits together so well. Out of the 78 audiobooks I’ve listened to this year, this is easily one of my favorites. The writing is engaging, the stories are heartfelt, and listening to Dolly narrate feels like sitting in on one of her interviews. It brings everything to life in the best way.
She has several other memoir style books, and now I’m curious about all of them. If you love her, or just love a good storyteller, this one is worth it.
December 28, 2025
I don’t give up for anything. Still don’t! 🎸⭐️💓
December 18, 2025
I love Dolly Parton with my whole heart. I enjoyed her previous two books immensely, so this was a no brainer. The heft is not totally conducive to a leisurely read, but you know the many Dolly-isms will make up for that minor inconvenience. I will say that her other two books felt more enjoyable to me. While there is no lack of stories and personal insights, the tone of this book felt a little more clinical at times and more of a list like "I played this show and then I went to this country next and after that I performed..." Obviously that is the whole premise of the book - looking at Dolly's life performing - but the sheer volume of one show after another didn't hold my rapt attention as she usually does in other works.
August 5, 2025
Had to read for work — Dolly is just the best
January 2, 2026
Of course I pre-ordered this book long before it hit the stands and it is worth every penny! Unlike her other coffee table books, Star of the Show truly is a celebration of Dolly Parton’s life in performance that complements her autobiography as a curated walk through the stages, spotlights, and stories shaping her life. Dolly offers examples of how an artist learns to command a room, connect with an audience, and remain unmistakably herself while doing so.
The book’s greatest strength is in Dolly’s storytelling. She writes with the same generosity, humor, and self-awareness that have defined her public persona for decades. She is candid about ambition and vulnerability, clear-eyed about the hard work behind the glamour, and consistently gracious toward the people who helped her along the way. Fame is neither romanticized nor resented; it is treated as a responsibility, something to be managed thoughtfully and used purposefully.
Just as her other books, Star of the Show is visually striking. Archival photographs, costumes, and stage moments do more than illustrate the text; they function as narrative anchors, reminding the reader that her career is as much about visual storytelling as it is about music. The images underscore her meticulous attention to presentation, hair, wardrobe, lighting, and persona all working in concert to reinforce her message of confidence and accessibility.
Substantively, the book offers thoughtful insights into performance as craft. Dolly reflects on learning how to read audiences, adapt across venues and eras, and balance authenticity with theatricality. These reflections will resonate not only with fans, but also with readers interested in leadership, branding, and the discipline required to sustain excellence over time. Her repeated emphasis on preparation, respect for collaborators, and loyalty to one’s values gives the book an unexpectedly instructional quality.
Big shocker of the book. For someone like me who's been a huge fan since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I was skeptical. Boy was I wrong. There are so many stories throughout her career, but more so in the past 20 years, that offered new insights into the magnificence of Dolly and her generosity. She truly sets an example of how we should live.
Star of the Show is a confident, polished, and generous book just like Dolly. It succeeds as both a tribute to a singular career and a meditation on what it means to show up, night after night, prepared to give the audience your best. For longtime fans like me, it is a gift. For those less familiar with her, it is a compelling introduction to why Dolly Parton remains not just a star, but a standard-bearer for longevity, integrity, and joy in performance.
The book’s greatest strength is in Dolly’s storytelling. She writes with the same generosity, humor, and self-awareness that have defined her public persona for decades. She is candid about ambition and vulnerability, clear-eyed about the hard work behind the glamour, and consistently gracious toward the people who helped her along the way. Fame is neither romanticized nor resented; it is treated as a responsibility, something to be managed thoughtfully and used purposefully.
Just as her other books, Star of the Show is visually striking. Archival photographs, costumes, and stage moments do more than illustrate the text; they function as narrative anchors, reminding the reader that her career is as much about visual storytelling as it is about music. The images underscore her meticulous attention to presentation, hair, wardrobe, lighting, and persona all working in concert to reinforce her message of confidence and accessibility.
Substantively, the book offers thoughtful insights into performance as craft. Dolly reflects on learning how to read audiences, adapt across venues and eras, and balance authenticity with theatricality. These reflections will resonate not only with fans, but also with readers interested in leadership, branding, and the discipline required to sustain excellence over time. Her repeated emphasis on preparation, respect for collaborators, and loyalty to one’s values gives the book an unexpectedly instructional quality.
Big shocker of the book. For someone like me who's been a huge fan since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I was skeptical. Boy was I wrong. There are so many stories throughout her career, but more so in the past 20 years, that offered new insights into the magnificence of Dolly and her generosity. She truly sets an example of how we should live.
Star of the Show is a confident, polished, and generous book just like Dolly. It succeeds as both a tribute to a singular career and a meditation on what it means to show up, night after night, prepared to give the audience your best. For longtime fans like me, it is a gift. For those less familiar with her, it is a compelling introduction to why Dolly Parton remains not just a star, but a standard-bearer for longevity, integrity, and joy in performance.
January 6, 2026
Star of the Show is the third installment in Dolly Parton’s series of coffee table books, and it absolutely did not disappoint. As a lifelong Dolly fan, I went into this book thinking there couldn’t possibly be much left that I hadn’t already heard through decades of interviews, performances, and retrospectives: but I was happily proven wrong.
First and foremost, the quality of these books is outstanding. The photographs are stunning, the design is beautiful, and the overall presentation makes this book a true collector’s item. It would be a welcome addition to the shelf of any memorabilia lover or devoted fan.
What really sets this book apart, though, is the content. Star of the Show offers behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, and photographs that have never been publicly released before. Seeing Dolly’s decades-long career laid out so thoughtfully (from backstage moments to iconic performances) was genuinely moving. I found myself laughing, smiling, and getting a little choked up along the way.
This book feels personal, celebratory, and deeply affectionate toward both Dolly’s craft and the fans who have followed her journey. Anyone who loves Dolly Parton should read, and own, this book. I’m simply grateful to live in the world at the same time as Dolly Rebecca Parton.
First and foremost, the quality of these books is outstanding. The photographs are stunning, the design is beautiful, and the overall presentation makes this book a true collector’s item. It would be a welcome addition to the shelf of any memorabilia lover or devoted fan.
What really sets this book apart, though, is the content. Star of the Show offers behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, and photographs that have never been publicly released before. Seeing Dolly’s decades-long career laid out so thoughtfully (from backstage moments to iconic performances) was genuinely moving. I found myself laughing, smiling, and getting a little choked up along the way.
This book feels personal, celebratory, and deeply affectionate toward both Dolly’s craft and the fans who have followed her journey. Anyone who loves Dolly Parton should read, and own, this book. I’m simply grateful to live in the world at the same time as Dolly Rebecca Parton.
November 16, 2025
While I am not a huge fan of Dolly Parton, I do appreciate everything she has done and her career, etc. So when I saw this was out, I thought it would be a fun read. Since I am not extremely familiar with her work, I thought this would be a good pickup.
It is what it says on the tin: her career represented visually. From photos of herself to venues where she performed to even the microphones she has used, you get a sense of her, her music, etc. And there's also text that talks about her life, how she got into music, her experiences in different places, people, etc.
That's pretty much it. I could not say how much of the material might be duplicated by other books that are out there, but I suppose if you're looking at a comprehensive visual compendium this might be the closest thing to it? I also could not say how complete it is, either, but this would probably be a good reference.
If you like/love Dolly, this is definitely for a fan. If you're just a casual fan like me you might want to wait. But as it is close to the holidays, this could make for a great gift for the right reader.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
It is what it says on the tin: her career represented visually. From photos of herself to venues where she performed to even the microphones she has used, you get a sense of her, her music, etc. And there's also text that talks about her life, how she got into music, her experiences in different places, people, etc.
That's pretty much it. I could not say how much of the material might be duplicated by other books that are out there, but I suppose if you're looking at a comprehensive visual compendium this might be the closest thing to it? I also could not say how complete it is, either, but this would probably be a good reference.
If you like/love Dolly, this is definitely for a fan. If you're just a casual fan like me you might want to wait. But as it is close to the holidays, this could make for a great gift for the right reader.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
November 11, 2025
Starting this by saying I'm not necessarily a Dolly fan. I think she's a wonderful person and I have a massive amount of respect for her, she was just never an artist I really listened to. Simply not a style I would seek out, but also not one I would actively avoid either.
That said, when this book arrived at our store, I was so excited for it. They only sent us one copy and we've made it the centerpiece for our holiday display.
This entire book is gorgeous, and it is packed with history. This book was made with love.
All of the pages of various concert tickets over the years hit me hard. I miss having collectable physical tickets so much.
The huge foldout of every show she's performed is incredible and really puts her career into perspective.
All of the highlights of her various outfits she's worn on tour.
Just everything about it is so beautiful.
I love it all so much and I wish more artists would get on her level.
So I'm saying as a non-fan, I absolutely adore the very idea of this book.
If you are a fan, it's a must-have.
That said, when this book arrived at our store, I was so excited for it. They only sent us one copy and we've made it the centerpiece for our holiday display.
This entire book is gorgeous, and it is packed with history. This book was made with love.
All of the pages of various concert tickets over the years hit me hard. I miss having collectable physical tickets so much.
The huge foldout of every show she's performed is incredible and really puts her career into perspective.
All of the highlights of her various outfits she's worn on tour.
Just everything about it is so beautiful.
I love it all so much and I wish more artists would get on her level.
So I'm saying as a non-fan, I absolutely adore the very idea of this book.
If you are a fan, it's a must-have.
December 20, 2025
Definite recommend
What you expect from Dolly is what you get and more. She is kind, generous, naturally talented, and humble. Throughout this book, she would comment on how proud her parents would be. It is amazing that Dolly still wants to make her parents, family, and the people of Smoky Mountain proud.
She has had many of her backing singers, band, and other team members with her since the late 1980s and beyond. That type of loyalty says a lot about Dolly and who she is.
The book covered her life from singing on her family's front porch to selling out stadiums all over the world.
If you like Dolly, want to learn about her career, or want to read a beautifully curated music-based book, this is your book!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea: https://tinyurl.com/27uj67h4
What you expect from Dolly is what you get and more. She is kind, generous, naturally talented, and humble. Throughout this book, she would comment on how proud her parents would be. It is amazing that Dolly still wants to make her parents, family, and the people of Smoky Mountain proud.
She has had many of her backing singers, band, and other team members with her since the late 1980s and beyond. That type of loyalty says a lot about Dolly and who she is.
The book covered her life from singing on her family's front porch to selling out stadiums all over the world.
If you like Dolly, want to learn about her career, or want to read a beautifully curated music-based book, this is your book!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea: https://tinyurl.com/27uj67h4
January 8, 2026
In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers. Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. [ amazon synopsis]
It's Dolly Parton. No other rating is possible.
It's Dolly Parton. No other rating is possible.
January 13, 2026
Dolly is a very talented entertainer - one of the most prolific ever. I saw her in concert 50 years ago and it is truly amazing to read about everything she’s done from her early beginning to now! I didn’t realize how many songs she’s written, how many concerts she’s given, and the variety of other endeavors including movies, theme parks, etc etc. As an entertainer, Dolly’s positivity, love and faith has been the foundation of her timeless message, which is why she has been a world class act in high demand the world over for over 60 years! She deserves all the awards and recognition she’s received! If you ever enjoyed Dolly’s music or acting, or better yet have seen her in concert, you will enjoy this book.
January 23, 2026
I would actually rate this about a 2.5. I don't really have huge complaints, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. This book is a large table top book which made it heavy and awkward to read. The parts I enjoyed the most were the photos (most especially the various costumes) and the ticket stubs (I searched for ticket stubs from my area). As just a casual Dolly fan, I was stunned to see just how many albums she has put out in her long career. There are also details about her many concerts (place and date). The text was moderately interesting and was separated into various decades. If someone is a big fan of Dolly and wants to know all about her various bands, tours, albums, etc., than this would be a great source of information.
November 18, 2025
This was a very fun book for me, listened to audio and loved hearing all her music. Sadly I would have to stop listening to dash to my itunes to listen to all the numerous collaborative songs I had and would find myself dancing to Aretha and countless others, I had to keep telling myself to get back to the book! Also googled like crazy through the entire book, most interactive experience I think I have ever had, for that alone 5 stars!
December 31, 2025
*Listened to the audiobook*
Dolly, love you gurl, but this felt like a hobbled together money grab without much thought put into it. Nevertheless, It was an easy and entertaining listen. Dolly has accomplished a lot - she came across so humble recounting her experiences. Her onward and upward mentality is inspiring. Very no nonsense.
Wait this is a hardcover book, too?! I’m so curious… the audiobook came across as Dolly being interviewed, definitely not reading from pages.
Dolly, love you gurl, but this felt like a hobbled together money grab without much thought put into it. Nevertheless, It was an easy and entertaining listen. Dolly has accomplished a lot - she came across so humble recounting her experiences. Her onward and upward mentality is inspiring. Very no nonsense.
Wait this is a hardcover book, too?! I’m so curious… the audiobook came across as Dolly being interviewed, definitely not reading from pages.
January 22, 2026
This book is an awesome biography of the life and accomplishments of Dolly Parton. She is so honest and humble yet clear about her journey and work. She loves music and writing music and has produced more albums and concerts than most people know. She also has a charity with a goal og providing books to children. She is a remarkable woman and this is a wonderful book with a lot of photos of her life and all of her albums.
January 26, 2026
Dolly Parton is a national treasure so I really wish I could give this book a better score. I found it to be all over the place. I listened to the audiobook which was nice listening to Dolly telling stories about her life but they were disjointed and repetitive. I downloaded the book for my eReader as well and appreciated all of the photos throughout but again just felt like it was more of a feature article from a magazine than an autobiography.
January 28, 2026
I listened to the audio version of the book, so I didn’t see all the photographs but I can tell you how delightful it was to listen to it. It was more like a documentary with a chronological timeline of her life, and Dolly herself telling her stories with her music in between.
Although it was more story telling and not much (if any) introspective, I enjoyed it just the same. She’s done it all and doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon!
Although it was more story telling and not much (if any) introspective, I enjoyed it just the same. She’s done it all and doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon!
December 20, 2025
This book has a four-page, double-sided, small print calendar of all of Dolly’s appearances and shows from the beginning of her career until now. Never let it be said that Dolly isn’t the hardest working performer in show business. There’s coffee table books and then there’s this book. She is truly a national treasure.
December 30, 2025
Wouldn't say I'm a Dolly fanatic, but I like her music & have great respect for what she has done in her show business career as well as things like Imagination Station. The book itself is huge & heavy - had to plop it on a pillow on my lap to read it - but has lots of photos to go along with the text. No huge surprises but was still interesting & enjoyable.
January 3, 2026
3 1/2⭐
I'm a Dolly fan from way back. I've read a couple of her books and watched just about everything about her and still learned a few new things from this book.
The pictures are gorgeous and I heard her voice as I was reading.
Why only three and a half stars then? It was a very large book. It wasn't a cozy up and read kind of book. I think it probably weighed as much as Dolly herself.
I'm a Dolly fan from way back. I've read a couple of her books and watched just about everything about her and still learned a few new things from this book.
The pictures are gorgeous and I heard her voice as I was reading.
Why only three and a half stars then? It was a very large book. It wasn't a cozy up and read kind of book. I think it probably weighed as much as Dolly herself.
January 22, 2026
This is one very large glossy coffee-table book about Dolly's career. I have said before that I adore Dolly Parton and this book feeds my adoration. She has filled it with tons of pictures and information about her life on stage and on the road. She is an accomplished stage performer and a generous philanthropist. A lady to be admired.
December 7, 2025
Love that Dolly considers this book the third in her trilogy - (Dolly Parton, Storyteller- My Life in Lyrics; Behind the Seams: My life in Rhinestones). All three books offer a little something different and are very enjoyable.
December 9, 2025
(the audiobook)
genuinely unreal that this exists. Dolly tells stories i’ve never heard and she is truly leaving it all out there for us. you can’t help but appreciate her all the more for what she shares in this one❤️
(the physical book)
it’s GORGEOUS
genuinely unreal that this exists. Dolly tells stories i’ve never heard and she is truly leaving it all out there for us. you can’t help but appreciate her all the more for what she shares in this one❤️
(the physical book)
it’s GORGEOUS
December 25, 2025
Dolly books get nothing less than 5 stars from me, ok? Gorgeous pictures, amazing facts, and a lifetime and career well spent in the entertainment and humanitarian industries are spread throughout these glossy pages. I will always love Dolly, and I love collecting these beautiful books.
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