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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. (The audiobook edition includes a downloadable companion PDF featuring select photographs from the hardcover edition of Star of the Show.)
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 [authorKenny Rogers], [authorLinda Ronstadt], [authorEmmylou 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 Show: 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 [authorKenny Rogers], [authorLinda Ronstadt], [authorEmmylou 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 Show: 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.
Audible Audio
Published November 13, 2025
About the author
Dolly Parton
118 books2,083 followersDolly 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 18, 2025
Repost - Give Like Dolly Day - 9/25 ♥️ https://imaginationlibrary.com
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 was, 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.
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 was, 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.
June 5, 2026
This story was very entertaining to listen to. I have to admit that I am not a huge Dolly Parton fan, however I have liked a few of her movies (9 to 5, Steel Magnolias to name a couple). I totally agree that she is very talented and a great artist. She seems to be very `down to earth.` It was a great audio book that was narrated by Dolly herself and it even included some snippets of songs. A 4 star rating for me.
February 26, 2026
Please don't hate on me. I love me Miss Dolly. Dolly Parton is an absolute icon. An absolute legend, a queen. And I really liked her previous books. But this one just didn't have the Dolly sparkle. And it breaks my heart to say it. Because it's Dolly and I love her. But that felt more like a collection of lists of things that Dolly did and achieve and didn't really have the personal touch her previous books had. So with aching heart it's three stars. But I still love Dolly so I do.
May 21, 2026
OMG, this was such a delight to read. Just like her other big coffee table book this one shone and shimmered. I read a little bit throughout the past weeks, and then a bigger part today as I couldn't stop, haha. Highly recommend. I want more!
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
September 5, 2026
This was a Christmas gift last year and I have to confess I really don’t like coffee table type books- they take up too much space.
I took it down from the shelf after Dolly died and absolutely loved it. I felt like it was my own personal sitting shiva for Dolly!
I took it down from the shelf after Dolly died and absolutely loved it. I felt like it was my own personal sitting shiva for Dolly!
November 28, 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.
September 4, 2026
Star Of The Show - Dolly Parton
I was both shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dolly’s passing. 😢
She collaborated with some of my absolute favourite celebrities, but she was a magnificent star in her own right—beautiful inside and out, and a true ‘doll’.
🕯️ 🌸 🕊️ ✨💕 🌸 💕 ✨🕊️ 🌸 🕯️
Reading about her life brought back so many personal memories. The book notes that Dolly wrote her first song, “Little Tiny Tassletop,” around the age of five about a corn cob doll her mother made for her. This touched me deeply, as my own mum used to make corn dollies, a tradition my brother still carries on today.
Another moment that resonated with me was August 1983, when Dolly teamed up with Kenny Rogers to record “Islands in the Stream,” rocketing to No. 1 across the country, pop, and AC charts. Their duet is my all-time favourite song; it always reminds me of my mum and dad at a time before life changed. It brings a deep sadness to my heart knowing that Mum, Dad, Kenny, and Dolly are all gone now. I loved reading Dolly's quote about the bond between her and Kenny:
"We were serious about our music, and we loved how we sounded together... He was so talented, and I really loved him." 🦋 💙
I spied Willie!🧐
I also loved reading about Willie Nelson. He and Dolly shared a close, nearly 60-year friendship and musical partnership that began when they were both struggling songwriters in 1960s Nashville. As Dolly beautifully put it:
"Who doesn’t love and appreciate Willie Nelson?! He’s one of a kind!" 🎸 🎶
Not long after the news of her passing, I watched a video by Jacob, a YouTuber my family watches often. It was both emotional and awe-inspiring. He toured Dollywood in her memory, sharing stories that helped me get to know even more about her. 👏 Thank you, Jacob. 🐊 😉 This book, combined with those memories, is a beautiful tribute to a legendary soul.
I was both shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dolly’s passing. 😢
She collaborated with some of my absolute favourite celebrities, but she was a magnificent star in her own right—beautiful inside and out, and a true ‘doll’.
🕯️ 🌸 🕊️ ✨💕 🌸 💕 ✨🕊️ 🌸 🕯️
Reading about her life brought back so many personal memories. The book notes that Dolly wrote her first song, “Little Tiny Tassletop,” around the age of five about a corn cob doll her mother made for her. This touched me deeply, as my own mum used to make corn dollies, a tradition my brother still carries on today.
Another moment that resonated with me was August 1983, when Dolly teamed up with Kenny Rogers to record “Islands in the Stream,” rocketing to No. 1 across the country, pop, and AC charts. Their duet is my all-time favourite song; it always reminds me of my mum and dad at a time before life changed. It brings a deep sadness to my heart knowing that Mum, Dad, Kenny, and Dolly are all gone now. I loved reading Dolly's quote about the bond between her and Kenny:
"We were serious about our music, and we loved how we sounded together... He was so talented, and I really loved him." 🦋 💙
I spied Willie!🧐
I also loved reading about Willie Nelson. He and Dolly shared a close, nearly 60-year friendship and musical partnership that began when they were both struggling songwriters in 1960s Nashville. As Dolly beautifully put it:
"Who doesn’t love and appreciate Willie Nelson?! He’s one of a kind!" 🎸 🎶
Not long after the news of her passing, I watched a video by Jacob, a YouTuber my family watches often. It was both emotional and awe-inspiring. He toured Dollywood in her memory, sharing stories that helped me get to know even more about her. 👏 Thank you, Jacob. 🐊 😉 This book, combined with those memories, is a beautiful tribute to a legendary soul.
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 13, 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.
August 29, 2026
Throughout Dolly’s narration of her life story, she always says “we” about everything that she has accomplished: from her family to her team to her band to her fans, it was never just her. That really struck me and shows her core belief of people first and proving it really takes a village do just do life. Rest in peace to the most uniting face in music 💖
December 28, 2025
I don’t give up for anything. Still don’t! 🎸⭐️💓
August 17, 2026
Beautiful tribute of memories loved the photographs too
September 3, 2026
Loved learning about Dolly the performer and her incredible career. She definitely paved the way for so many artists today and left a lasting impression on audiences across the world.
September 6, 2026
This is a comfortable conversation with Dolly about her life performing, especially welcome after her recent passing.
September 6, 2026
If you’re missing her, go give this a listen on audio 🫶🏻 We will always love you, Dolly.
August 7, 2026
She's an amazing woman.
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.
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 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.
August 5, 2025
Had to read for work — Dolly is just the best
January 19, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this. It includes lot of great photos including her performances, outfits that she’s worn over the years and even collages of her concert ticket stubs.
May 22, 2026
'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
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
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.
September 13, 2026
I bought this book a couple of months ago on a whim, having enjoyed Dolly’s Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones. I didn’t have any idea how bittersweet it would be to read it after Dolly’s death.
Star of the Show focuses on Dolly’s life on stage, from on the porch of her childhood home to big concerts, movies, TV appearances and beyond. It’s a heavy, oversized hardcover book with lots of pictures of Dolly, ticket stubs and some costumes too. Arranged in chronological order, the book is divided into sections as Dolly’s star shines brighter and more widely. There is also a comprehensive list of her recordings, music videos (a lot less than you’d expect) and appearances. The book also has a good amount of text, written by Dolly. It feels like it’s narrated by her, as it’s written just like she speaks. I could hear her as I read. It is also honest, Dolly talking about some things that weren’t successes and the difficult professional break up with Porter Wagoner.
Younger Dolly fans like myself will find there’s a lot of detail in this book that we may not have known about. The Porter Wagoner years was something I didn’t know too much about, but boy, they worked hard! TV shows, concerts, performing at fairs…there was a lot of promotion and a long life on the road. It was interesting how Dolly evolved after that to enjoying her own life on the road after that (right down to her customised buses, something that made the news in Australia when she did her more recent tours). Her buses became a home away from home, instead of an unfamiliar hotel room right after night. The book also demonstrates once again how grounded Dolly is in helping out the communities where she grew up and making sure she gives back to the people who helped her to reach her dreams. I’m sure there was even more than the book covers!
The book touches on her relationships with other performers, such as Kenny Rodgers, Willie Nelson and of course, Porter Wagoner. There is also some page time devoted to Trio and the 9-5 cast. In true Dolly fashion, it’s honest and sweet. Dolly is always very conscious of detailing those who have been part of her journey, from family to other big names in the business. It’s a fitting conclusion to the trio of coffee table books about her songs, fashion and shows but I’m disappointed that we’re not too likely to see any more Dolly books on the shelves. May her graciousness and love of reading through the Imagination Library shine on.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Star of the Show focuses on Dolly’s life on stage, from on the porch of her childhood home to big concerts, movies, TV appearances and beyond. It’s a heavy, oversized hardcover book with lots of pictures of Dolly, ticket stubs and some costumes too. Arranged in chronological order, the book is divided into sections as Dolly’s star shines brighter and more widely. There is also a comprehensive list of her recordings, music videos (a lot less than you’d expect) and appearances. The book also has a good amount of text, written by Dolly. It feels like it’s narrated by her, as it’s written just like she speaks. I could hear her as I read. It is also honest, Dolly talking about some things that weren’t successes and the difficult professional break up with Porter Wagoner.
Younger Dolly fans like myself will find there’s a lot of detail in this book that we may not have known about. The Porter Wagoner years was something I didn’t know too much about, but boy, they worked hard! TV shows, concerts, performing at fairs…there was a lot of promotion and a long life on the road. It was interesting how Dolly evolved after that to enjoying her own life on the road after that (right down to her customised buses, something that made the news in Australia when she did her more recent tours). Her buses became a home away from home, instead of an unfamiliar hotel room right after night. The book also demonstrates once again how grounded Dolly is in helping out the communities where she grew up and making sure she gives back to the people who helped her to reach her dreams. I’m sure there was even more than the book covers!
The book touches on her relationships with other performers, such as Kenny Rodgers, Willie Nelson and of course, Porter Wagoner. There is also some page time devoted to Trio and the 9-5 cast. In true Dolly fashion, it’s honest and sweet. Dolly is always very conscious of detailing those who have been part of her journey, from family to other big names in the business. It’s a fitting conclusion to the trio of coffee table books about her songs, fashion and shows but I’m disappointed that we’re not too likely to see any more Dolly books on the shelves. May her graciousness and love of reading through the Imagination Library shine on.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
September 13, 2026
What an absolute delight listening to Dolly Parton Star of the Show was. Written and narrated by Dolly herself I got the book via Hoopla on the day of her passing. I have been a fan of the Dolly for as long as I have had memories, fascinated by her huge personality, enormous talent, giant charisma, big hair, and tremendous comedic timing. Even as a little girl I knew she was special, kind and perfect. Her gentle loving but spunky spirit drew me to her songs, tv specials and movies and I’ve have been blessed to see her live in concert more than once. HOWEVER, being a long time fan of Dolly I thought I knew everything there was to know about her but this book was such a precious gem and hearing her voice, precocious laugh and songs was such a gift during the super hard days right she went to glory to be with Carl Dean. Two special stories I especially enjoyed and got super tickled by were her having Carl Dean nearly arrested while she was on stage (YES you read that right! It is a story that had me gobsmacked …I had never heard it before!) and where she kept her cordless mic pack…( for some reason I had never thought about this when she stopped singing with hand held mics!) This books is truly a priceless gem and I think I’ll check it out again just to have the comfort of her voice to sooth my broken heart. If you are a super fan or just someone who loves the work and songs of this mega talent, I guarantee you’ll love this book and have a better appreciation of this hard working mega star! You’ll be tickled down to your toes and come away saying, I never knew, that, too!
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.
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