What Would Dolly Do?: How to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World

by Lauren Marino

A spirited homage to Dolly Parton that captures the unique humor, no-nonsense wisdom, flash, and sass of one of America's most iconic stars.

One of twelve children raised in a shack in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Dolly Parton grew to become an international superstar famous for classic songs such as "Jolene," "9 to 5," "The Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You." She is a reflection of the American dream, a role model for the ages, and a mentor to a whole new generation of entertainers. There is much to be learned from her unique brand, her big heart and spirituality, her grit and work ethic.

This lively, illustrated book--part biography, part inspiration, part words of wisdom and life lessons--highlights the very best of the "Dolly Mama," from her quotable Dollyisms, unrelenting positivity, and powerful spirituality, to her belief in the human ability to overcome adversity. Drawing on Dolly's two autobiographies, cookbooks and songs; as well as artifacts; books by her family members; biographies; and decades worth of television, print interviews and performances, What Would Dolly Do? shows you how to tap into your Inner Dolly with confidence, faith, and humor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Music, Self Help, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2018

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I anticipated - more of a forced self-help book than the light coffee table book I thought it would be. The book is in SERIOUS need of better editing, the most egregious error being a reference to Dolly’s childhood home WEST of Nashville. Also, two chapters devoted to physical appearance was off-putting. The categorizations in general felt forced, but I felt the warmth of the author for Dolly throughout.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is the illustrations. Maybe it would be more successful as a series of inspirational postcards. This book is 200+ pages of information that any Dolly Parton fan already knows by heart. Not only that, it is redundant - entire paragraphs appear multiple times throughout the book.

I received this book as a gift and I feel like I should apologize to the sweet person who spent her hard-earned money on it because she knows that I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. Save your money and listen to the "Dolly Parton's America" podcast instead.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this book disappointed me. I guess I shouldn't have judged the book by its cover, thinking it would be a playful tome about the eponymous Dolly Parton and her legacy. Instead, the book was more of a summary of Dolly's life, categorized into chapters with advice best-suited to young teenagers (e.g., a chapter on makeup and hair, a chapter on relationships with boys). In short, I found the book derivative and juvenile. It's important to note Dolly Parton had absolutely zero input into it, which is something I did not realize when making my purchase.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Would Dolly Do?: How to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World
I am a big Fan of Ms. Dolly and had to have this book! It is such a sweet, fun informative cute book. It one you will enjoy from the first page to the last page. I want to treasure this book so I had to read it gently and hope to enjoy it for years to come!
Loved it!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a sweet, giant-hearted, wonderful, remarkably talented woman. the world is better for having her in it.

More thoughts to come!

[LeeAnna Weaver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Put the book down after the first fact checking error. Kristin Chenoweth was born and raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, not Arkansas. Careless error.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a physical copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

Let me start my saying this is the first actual book I have read in years. Since getting my e-reader I always get e-books so this book was enjoyable on many levels. I liked that it was small enough to fit in my purse, I take whatever I'm reading with me everywhere. I will say the print was a little small for me, I'm used to being able to enlarge it on the e-reader. I have always loved Dolly and I have never read any books on her or by her so everything was nee to me. I thought she was fantastic before Inread this book, now I just think she is phenomenal. I was at my grandparents one night for dinner and was telling them about the book. They didn't know some of this stuff either, my grandpa wants to read it next. There are so many things covered in this book, even receipes are given. One thing I would have liked was actual pictures. Dolly is such a wonderful, caring and giving person, she makes everyone smile and feel loved. I was throwing out random facts while reading one night and something I never knew was Dolly started a production company with Sandy Gallin and the company coproduced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.....two of my husband's favorite shows, and now he loves Dolly and thinks she's a genius! LOL. This was a fast, fun read that I loved.

[Jessyca505 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️” Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” ~ Dolly
As a Dolly fan, I have to admit I have been listening to her essentials lately, after watching Dumpin' on Netflix. This is not an autobiography, but rather the author consulted many references on Dolly's life and created a "how to". It was humorous and had real life advice, but some ideas were repetitive, which is why I rated it as I did.

What would Dolly do?
1) Care about your appearance
2) Let your god light shine
3) Love who you love
4) Do things with a purpose

And many many more..... I would suggest this for a pick me up!

[Alexa | alexahasread]

Dolly Parton is probably the least divisive person on the planet. Everyone loves her! This book is more self-help which isn't what I thought it would be. Overall, it was a cute tribute to a truly amazing human being!

[Brei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book. Perfect for a gift for any Dolly Fan in your life. Would make a great stocking stuffer.

[Mary-Margaret Bundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part biography, part how-to guide, and part self-help inspiration. It’s a great look into the success of Dolly Parton and how one can take her lessons to achieve their own version of a Dolly-like life!

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was never meant to know this much about dolly

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year has been one of self-discovery and finding the courage to finally follow my dreams. I've found some role models who have paved the way and Dolly Parton is at the top of the list. The more I learn about her, the more I am impressed and amazed.

She has not only followed her dreams and accomplished huge things, but she has given back and done unbelievable things through her charities. She has smashed through the glass ceiling in so many ways, we could all learn so much from her life.

The author of this book does a great job of enabling us to learn all the lessons from Dolly's life. This book was a great idea and well executed.

[Luanne Ollivier · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Would Dolly Do? How to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World is Lauren Marino's homage to Dolly Parton.

Super fan Marino draws upon Parton's stories, interviews, articles, songs, Parton's autobiographies, appearances and more to "curating and culling what I can only call the Dolly Parton philosophy as I see it."

Marino ponders 'What Would Dolly Do?" in chapters exploring happiness, style, love and marriage, money and business, home, creativity, philanthropy and many more.

I have always enjoyed Dolly's career, but had fun finding out more about this iconic star. There are lots of life lessons and snippets that anyone can take inspiration from. Text boxes throughout the book summarize ideas, philosophies etc. It's a fun little read, easy to pick up and put down, reading a chapter and coming back later. (Photos of Dolly would have been a nice addition.)

[Megsbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never say “ya’ll” but Ya’ll have got to check out this book, What Would Dolly Do! I thought I knew some stuff about her but this book has tons of information and knowing that she lives right down the road from me makes me smile so big!! I became an even bigger fan of hers after this quick read!
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Wow Dolly is someone to really look up to. She has torn down every barrier and broken every glass ceiling and certainly has done it all her way. I mean for 50+ years she has kept her private life private and has kept up her persona every day in public. She released an album at 71 and helped saved Gatlinburg after the horrendous fires destroyed the town. She started the Imagination Library for children (amazing, check it out) and has already written the song that will be released on either her 100th Birthday or the day she is no longer with us. She really is a role model with her work ethic and success to maintain such a unique brand for all this time.

[Sophie]

This is a fun and loving homage to Dolly, filled with great biographical bits and concise self-help summaries in each chapter. Marino uses Dolly's sage advice and famous witticisms to quilt together a succinct life guide for women (and men) who want to achieve their greatest dreams and look fabulous along the way. Marino is a wonderful writer; warm, inviting and chatty and her love and respect for Dolly is infectious. I already loved Dolly, but I finished this book with a deepened admiration for the amazing life she's lived. Marino embraces Dolly's unapologetic femininity and the whole book is a celebration of Dolly's insistence on being herself. I also love the small size of the book and the illustrations throughout. I'll definitely be gifting "What Would Dolly Do" to friends.

[Kimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much focus on the superficial aspects of Dolly's beauty and diet; even encourages readers to consider anti-aging and "semipermanent" procedures to maintain beauty. The drawings are cute, though! As somebody else suggested: listen to the podcast instead, or read "Songteller", a massive tome I am still working through.

[Angela Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Marino really gave Dolly Parton a lot of good kind hearted thoughts for the reader to dwell on and apply to their own life. I have never written fan mail. But after reading only to chapter ten I felt a desire to write to Dolly. I think that was due to some good writing by Lauren Marino.

[Stephanie Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It’s clear that the author care as about and loves Dolly, but the writing style, general content, and lack of social justice awareness made this a challenging book to get through.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is extremely adorable, which was it’s main selling point for me. I love the graphics. This is my very first Dolly book I’ve read, so I was a bit disappointed to find out this book is essentially the author’s interpretation of what she thinks Dolly would do, or advice she would give. The author draws from many random quotes, interviews, songs, etc. of Dolly’s since her stardom, and throws it all together to ride the current Dolly hype. I did learn a decent bit of things about Dolly, especially her childhood, so I did enjoy that. The book was very respectfully written about her, so the author’s admiration for Dolly is evident. But it just feels like a rip off. I felt I could probably learn just as much about Dolly, if not more, from other books.

My biggest complaint is that the author can’t seem to make up her mind who her target audience is. Is it preteens/teens? Young adults? Suitable for all ages? A lot of the book and advice is very juvenile, but then occasional adult topics or themes will be present in the book.

I put down the book for 2 months when I got to chapter four. The section about dieting really pissed me off, as I imagine many readers of this book will be young girls. Marino writes, “And apparently sometimes Dolly, and a lot of other celebrities who have to be extremely weight conscious, will chew their food and then spit it out. Not throwing it up, mind you. Just never swallowing it to begin with. It sounds a little gross and borderline eating disorder, but I guess if you’re not spitting your food out in front of anyone and carry a spittoon with you- and I’m not saying that Dolly does- this could work. It’s one way to have your cake and not eat it too” (p. 77).

Why on earth would you ever write that? I can’t recommend buying this for your daughter or nieces. That was wild information to include in a book a lot of impressionable minds will read. It fails at being suitable for a young audience, and it fails at being mature enough for adults to fully enjoy.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun, with lots of good nuggets:

Dolly has “the brains of a computer, the heart of an artist and the spirit of a minister.” - Nashville radio DJ Ralph Emery (p. 85)

Of her husband: “‘He’s my anchor and I’m his excitement.’” (p. 87)

On making her first movie 9 to 5: “‘A lot of people were saying, ‘Boy, I would l-o-o-o-v-e to see that. There ain’t no way them three bitches are gonna get along! Can you imagine three women like that?!’ And you know, we had the greatest time.’” (p. 117)

“‘Being a woman in show-business is like being a bird dog in heat. If you stand still they’ll screw you. If you run they’ll bite you in the ass.’” (p. 121)

“Once Dolly became successful, she showed her appreciation by trying to buy [her mother] Avie Lee a mink coat. Avie Lee asked her where on earth she would wear a mink coat—to a church supper? So, Dolly gave her the money instead. She eventually bought her mama her first car and several brightly colored pantsuits, telling her that she was giving her freedom. It was the first time her mother learned to drive or wore pants, and Avie Lee spent so much time driving around in her new clothes that Papa complained she was neglecting him.” (p. 131)

“While much of [her primary residence] is decorated in signature Dolly Parton country style, it also has a lot of L.A. style, with a few Asian pieces thrown in, including some Buddha statues, which horrified her Christian mother, who considered Buddhas to be false idols.” (p. 153)

“‘Don’t ever be ashamed of your family, your sexual orientation or your nationality. Be who you are.’” (p. 161)

“‘I love everybody and I go right through the bullshit and I go right to the core of every person because we are all one. We are all the same.’” (p. 179)

“‘A great book is like a new lover. You can’t wait to get back to it.’” (p. 205)

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun overview of the accomplishments of Dolly Parton as life lessons. I received the book Christmas 2021 and forgot about it. It was a time where people had begun appreciating Dolly Parton, the woman. I enjoyed Dolly's appearances on talk shows as a kid. I always felt a connection because I used to go by my middle name, similar to "Jolene." People used to always reference the song upon meeting me. Even (name drop warning) Peter Buck of REM. He sang it to me and even wrote the name with music notes when signing a flyer for me.

I enjoyed the read and vaguely understood what inspired my husband to buy it for me. The last chapter made me realize why. Dollywood! I, too, had a modern version of a poverty-stricken and challenging upbringing but Southern California suburban style. I felt seen by Coat of Many Colors, and I understood it deeply. The difference between Dolly's upbringing and mine was family love and commitment. My father abandoned me. My mother loved and cared for me. She worked hard but was limited by mid-century conformist values. It took me much longer than Dolly to figure out who I am and what my gifts are. I hope to someday integrate my love and interest in theme parks into my work. Dolly is a much better role model than Walt Disney. Certainly less problematic. Dolly is a positive iconoclast, and she is proof of this possibility.

I recommend this book to younger readers who feel like outsiders. Dolly shows us how to embrace ourselves as we are. We need not succumb to the pressure of conformity. Keep doing you, follow the golden rule and the campsite rule (leave it better than you found it).

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book itself was a bit formulaic for me, but the content was wonderful. It has made me want to learn more about Dolly Parton and has definitely added her to the list of people I'd want to have at a dinner party.

Each chapter ends with a checklist summary of the main content points of the chapter, which is nice.

She is incredibly inspiring and does so much more than I had any idea. I'd definitely want to be her friend.

Note: This book is only 5.5 hours. I had issues with iTunes which is why it took me so long to finish.

TL;DR: Dolly is awesome. Book is above average, but probably geared to a younger reader.

[L' Te · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Shes a Honky-tonk version of a Renaissance Woman.”

A sweet, endearing tribute to the indefatigable Dolly Parton. I’ve always enjoyed Dolly the musician, but as the years advanced – I became deeply respectful of Dolly the woman. A brilliant, forthright individual that anyone would do well to try and follow suit. Clearly possessed of a tender spirit, Dolly is the embodiment of loving-kindness and mindfulness. Her poignant legacy on living a life that is large, genuine, profound and flat out big-hearted would be an admirable ambition for all to contemplate.

[Lex · Rating 1 out of 5]

i love dolly, but this whole thing reads like a badly researched buzzfeed article. the authors note says she’s worked for penguin, random house, and a bunch of other publishing houses and im like, “as what ? a janitor ?” jk apparently she was a publishing executive. i can not believe this book had an editor, especially considering mistakes like saying dollys home was “west of nashville” and kristin chenoweth was born in “arkansas” (she was born in oklahoma.) i didn’t like that half the book was dedicated to physical appearances and diet. 10/10 for dolly 1/10 for the writing.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting how Lauren took information, tidbits and biographical information about Dolly and put it into a book that feels like Dolly contributed to it while also serving as a fan written book full of Dolly's wisdom, quotes, personality, and life lessons making it totally relatable to the reader.

I totally loved reading about Dolly's philosophy on life, marriage, relationships, success and family.

If you love Dolly, you will love this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I'm not a country music fan, and didn't know much about Dolly Parton when I started this book. Reading this book taught me so much about this amazing person! I have so much respect for Dolly Parton and her good works now. I liked the way the book was divided, though it did make for a little bit of repetition from section to section. The illustrations and graphic design of this book are delightful. Overall this book was an unexpected treat.

[Amz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her so much. I was less excited about this book because it is a biography rather than an audio biography. However, I learned more about her through an outsider’s perspective, who shared things Dolly wouldn’t necessarily deem unique or particularly newsworthy about her journey. A cute and uplifting little book. Helps with slowing down and appreciating the beautiful elements of each of our lives, while developing patience and resolve to handle the yuckier stuff.

[Emma Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

One review of this book said that it would have been better as a series of inspirational quotes and illustrations from Dolly, and I could not agree more. I loved the illustrations and it is such a great coffee table book; however, the writing leaves much to be desired. The author felt like more of a fan girl than a writer, which hey can't blame her, but I am unsure of what the publishers were thinking when they read through the final copy of this book.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of information and fun facts. All the material in such way that it is entertaining and insightful. Learned a lot of things I did not know about Dolly. This book was a fun and relaxing read. You can take away many life improving/life changing things form this book. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.