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Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business
The inspiring, tell-it-like-it-is autobiography of one of America's best-loved stars, who tells the rags-to-riches story of her life as only she can -- with honesty, insight and an unfailing sense of humor.
Here, for the first time, Parton talks openly about her life -- both public and private. She reveals how she got to where she is today, her no-nonsense attitude and the down-home philosophy that has helped her from the start. Whether discussing her sense of style, her inability to have children, the music she loves so much, her unique marriage or her friendships with other stars, Parton is amazingly candid, incredibly warm, wise and funny, proving over and over again why she is so loved.
In this refreshing, candid and heartfelt autobiography, Parton reveals the woman behind the superstar, who still considers herself a simple girl from the country. It is a book that millions of readers have been waiting for.
Here, for the first time, Parton talks openly about her life -- both public and private. She reveals how she got to where she is today, her no-nonsense attitude and the down-home philosophy that has helped her from the start. Whether discussing her sense of style, her inability to have children, the music she loves so much, her unique marriage or her friendships with other stars, Parton is amazingly candid, incredibly warm, wise and funny, proving over and over again why she is so loved.
In this refreshing, candid and heartfelt autobiography, Parton reveals the woman behind the superstar, who still considers herself a simple girl from the country. It is a book that millions of readers have been waiting for.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 1994
160 people are currently reading
9085 people want to read
About the author
Dolly Parton
122 books1,796 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 509 reviews
April 21, 2012
i picked this book up (for $2 at a book sale) for two reasons:
1. i am addicted to trashy celebrity biographies
2. the song "9 to 5" has made me dance in the shower more times than any other song will ever hope to.
and after reading it, i am telling you, with no sense of irony whatsoever, that this book is
1. one of the best books i have ever read
2. by far the best memoir.
i don't care who you are, you will take something positive from this book. It is spiritual, simple, wise, hilarious, uplifting. It left me feeling hopeful and looking forward to the future. It made me laugh. It made my fiance laugh when I reread some of the stories to him. Unfortunately, it also made a lot of people laugh when i told them i was reading it. and that's a shame. because i know dolly parton is somewhat of a caricature. but honestly (and you will figure this out if you read the book), people see her as a caricature precisely because that's how she wants it to be. the image she presents to the public is very deliberate, but most of all very genuine. she is completely and totally true to herself; if you see her as a big boobed, big haired, makeup wearing hick, well honey, that's how it's supposed to be--because that's who she is. just make sure you don't forget about her music and her personality, because that's also who she is. and also
make sure you give her credit where credit is due, because she deserves a ton of it. case in point:
“Early next morning [after high school graduation:] I boarded a Greyhound bus with my dreams, my old guitar, the songs I had written, and the rest of my belongings in a set of matching luggage---three paper bags from the same grocery store.”
there were so many other gems. you want to hear more? of course you do.
“Trying to weed out those few people with talent from all of that sea of dreamers is quite a job. It’s a lot like looking for four-leaf clovers, which would be easy to find if it weren’t for all of those three-leaf ones. The problem is, every one of those three-leaf clovers thinks he’s a four-leafer.”
and
“I suppose if it weren’t for naivete and fool-hearted, pigheaded stubbornness, nobody would ever see their dreams through."
and
“I had loved John Kennedy. Not in the way a woman loves a man but in the way one idealist recognizes another and loves him for that place within themselves that they share.”
and my personal favorite:
“There are times when I feel like saying something like, ‘Why don’t you get out of my face, you ugly woman. And take those bratty kids with you!’ But at times like that I usually get all flustered. I get confused and say stupid stuff like ‘Kiss my ass, that’s what you are. And don’t think I can’t do it!’”
loved. this. book. five million gajillion stars.
1. i am addicted to trashy celebrity biographies
2. the song "9 to 5" has made me dance in the shower more times than any other song will ever hope to.
and after reading it, i am telling you, with no sense of irony whatsoever, that this book is
1. one of the best books i have ever read
2. by far the best memoir.
i don't care who you are, you will take something positive from this book. It is spiritual, simple, wise, hilarious, uplifting. It left me feeling hopeful and looking forward to the future. It made me laugh. It made my fiance laugh when I reread some of the stories to him. Unfortunately, it also made a lot of people laugh when i told them i was reading it. and that's a shame. because i know dolly parton is somewhat of a caricature. but honestly (and you will figure this out if you read the book), people see her as a caricature precisely because that's how she wants it to be. the image she presents to the public is very deliberate, but most of all very genuine. she is completely and totally true to herself; if you see her as a big boobed, big haired, makeup wearing hick, well honey, that's how it's supposed to be--because that's who she is. just make sure you don't forget about her music and her personality, because that's also who she is. and also
make sure you give her credit where credit is due, because she deserves a ton of it. case in point:
“Early next morning [after high school graduation:] I boarded a Greyhound bus with my dreams, my old guitar, the songs I had written, and the rest of my belongings in a set of matching luggage---three paper bags from the same grocery store.”
there were so many other gems. you want to hear more? of course you do.
“Trying to weed out those few people with talent from all of that sea of dreamers is quite a job. It’s a lot like looking for four-leaf clovers, which would be easy to find if it weren’t for all of those three-leaf ones. The problem is, every one of those three-leaf clovers thinks he’s a four-leafer.”
and
“I suppose if it weren’t for naivete and fool-hearted, pigheaded stubbornness, nobody would ever see their dreams through."
and
“I had loved John Kennedy. Not in the way a woman loves a man but in the way one idealist recognizes another and loves him for that place within themselves that they share.”
and my personal favorite:
“There are times when I feel like saying something like, ‘Why don’t you get out of my face, you ugly woman. And take those bratty kids with you!’ But at times like that I usually get all flustered. I get confused and say stupid stuff like ‘Kiss my ass, that’s what you are. And don’t think I can’t do it!’”
loved. this. book. five million gajillion stars.
March 5, 2016
I entered into this buddy read with no preconceived notions about Dolly Parton. I have listened to her sing and I enjoyed her songs. I have seen her moves and enjoyed them as well. Other than knowing she was born in the mountains and had a lot of brothers and sisters, I didn't know too much about her, or her journey through her life and career.
Listening to My Life and Other Unfinished Business has been so enlightening. Dolly Parton is open and bluntly willing to speak her mind. She talks about the hard times in her life while she was growing up poor in the mountains of Tennessee. She talks about friendships that have ended abruptly and those that have lasted her entire life.
Her relationship with God is not preachy it is very uplifting. She has a real relationship with him, but she is open and loves people that do not believe exactly as she does. She is willing to share her beliefs and they are very important to her.
She talks about her relationship with her husband and addresses many of the rumors and gossip that they have faced in their marriage. She talks of her husband with respect and love.
Humor is a large part of her personality. She sees great humor in herself and her life. She gives joy and finds joy in what she does.
There is so much more to this woman than I ever knew. I am glad I listened to this audio book. It has enriched my life.
Listening to My Life and Other Unfinished Business has been so enlightening. Dolly Parton is open and bluntly willing to speak her mind. She talks about the hard times in her life while she was growing up poor in the mountains of Tennessee. She talks about friendships that have ended abruptly and those that have lasted her entire life.
Her relationship with God is not preachy it is very uplifting. She has a real relationship with him, but she is open and loves people that do not believe exactly as she does. She is willing to share her beliefs and they are very important to her.
She talks about her relationship with her husband and addresses many of the rumors and gossip that they have faced in their marriage. She talks of her husband with respect and love.
Humor is a large part of her personality. She sees great humor in herself and her life. She gives joy and finds joy in what she does.
There is so much more to this woman than I ever knew. I am glad I listened to this audio book. It has enriched my life.
March 6, 2016
This was a great autobiography read by the author. Dolly was so funny in her life. She started as a share cropper's daughter in TN. She was the forth child of twelve. She had a dream of stardom and followed that dream.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
I highly recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
June 1, 2025
DOLLY: My Life and Other Unfinished Business
By Dolly Parton
First of all, this is a book I probably would not have read at this time, only because it was published in 1995. It was chosen as a June read in one of my book clubs.
It really is a wonderful read and Dolly tells her story with humility and humor. Truly a rags to riches story. I enjoyed reading about her early life and her growing up in poverty, seemed to keep her humble. Some things she alludes to and is so honest about others. Her faith is most important, as is her love and respect for Carl, and her family. All in all, an entertaining and fun read.
Now I would like to read about her life where this book ended to present day. I’m sure there would be more enlightening stories to learn about Dolly.
By Dolly Parton
First of all, this is a book I probably would not have read at this time, only because it was published in 1995. It was chosen as a June read in one of my book clubs.
It really is a wonderful read and Dolly tells her story with humility and humor. Truly a rags to riches story. I enjoyed reading about her early life and her growing up in poverty, seemed to keep her humble. Some things she alludes to and is so honest about others. Her faith is most important, as is her love and respect for Carl, and her family. All in all, an entertaining and fun read.
Now I would like to read about her life where this book ended to present day. I’m sure there would be more enlightening stories to learn about Dolly.
December 11, 2020
Audible, to me is best listened to when the person is narrating their story, I still prefer to read my thrillers, just my choice. Plus I am working while I listen.
But with this audible book, it is the most refreshing story told in a delightful way, with some singing, a lot of laughter, from the narrator, well and myself.
What is so refreshing is the honesty, the cheerful, humble attitude, nothing hidden, nothing to be ashamed of and the straight talking.
Not afraid to discuss any subjects, proud and happy with her career and success, but not changed.
Dolly Parton lived in poverty as a child, her parents worked hard, Dolly was brought up with eleven brothers and sisters, singing from a young age, but a tough childhood, a tough few years before success.
But she has given back millions with Dollywood, the Dollywood Foundation(over 100 million dollars), recently giving a million dollars towards finding a vaccination for the Covid.
A great career with success as a singer, songwriter of many great songs, business woman, actress and so much more, now I guess also a novelist.
I admired here honestly more than anything, as she said in her words "Why should I not be Happy", I love my music, my family, my success. Openly talks about her surgeries, her bad times, her marriage and their unusual relationship.
I have read other reviews in sadness and release some people are just not happy with her brutal honesty about her own happiness in her own life, her own wealth, her religion. It's her life.
Why should she not be happy when you have worked hard for it !
You deserve it
But with this audible book, it is the most refreshing story told in a delightful way, with some singing, a lot of laughter, from the narrator, well and myself.
What is so refreshing is the honesty, the cheerful, humble attitude, nothing hidden, nothing to be ashamed of and the straight talking.
Not afraid to discuss any subjects, proud and happy with her career and success, but not changed.
Dolly Parton lived in poverty as a child, her parents worked hard, Dolly was brought up with eleven brothers and sisters, singing from a young age, but a tough childhood, a tough few years before success.
But she has given back millions with Dollywood, the Dollywood Foundation(over 100 million dollars), recently giving a million dollars towards finding a vaccination for the Covid.
A great career with success as a singer, songwriter of many great songs, business woman, actress and so much more, now I guess also a novelist.
I admired here honestly more than anything, as she said in her words "Why should I not be Happy", I love my music, my family, my success. Openly talks about her surgeries, her bad times, her marriage and their unusual relationship.
I have read other reviews in sadness and release some people are just not happy with her brutal honesty about her own happiness in her own life, her own wealth, her religion. It's her life.
Why should she not be happy when you have worked hard for it !
You deserve it
January 23, 2023
What a charming description of a larger-than-life entertainer.
Whenever I read a memoir, I'm hungry to discover the voice of the author. This one strikes me as 100% show biz personality, a distinctive one.
Yet Dolly Parton's persona fascinates me, and she's so consistently herself. Meaning, herself in that role as a world-class sparkler.
Interesting tip from the book: to sample many restaurant dishes by tasting each one, then spitting out the mouthful.
No thanks. I'd never want to be that thin. Nor that rich. Nor that famous.
Still, I'm content to have Dolly do all of that for me, evidently enjoying every single minute.
Whenever I read a memoir, I'm hungry to discover the voice of the author. This one strikes me as 100% show biz personality, a distinctive one.
Yet Dolly Parton's persona fascinates me, and she's so consistently herself. Meaning, herself in that role as a world-class sparkler.
Interesting tip from the book: to sample many restaurant dishes by tasting each one, then spitting out the mouthful.
No thanks. I'd never want to be that thin. Nor that rich. Nor that famous.
Still, I'm content to have Dolly do all of that for me, evidently enjoying every single minute.
February 10, 2012
Today, most celebrity biographies are ghostwritten --and it shows. They could almost be written using a Mad Libs sheet, just filling in the relevant details for the star in question.
Dolly wrote this book herself, and her singular voice just shines. Anyone who has heard her on a talk show (or listened to her music) won't be surprised to learn that she's a fine storyteller.
She says that God, sex and music are the three big things in her life (though after reading the book, I'd wager that food is a close fourth), and she has plenty to say about them all. It's worth noting that she never mentions religion in a way that is anything other than inclusive and non-judgmental of all people.
If she ever quit music, her second career could be as a comedienne. I'll remember a lot of these lines for the rest of my life. For example, when Kermit performed on her TV show, a crew member joked that it was amazing he could sing like that with a guy's hand up his ass. Dolly topped him by retorting (I paraphrase): "So what? I did the same thing for seven years on the Porter Wagoner show."
Dolly dances around her relationship with Wagoner, but a lot of truth comes out in lines like the above.
A question and answer section comes at the end of the book, with Dolly addressing common fan queries about things like rumored lesbianism, her husband Carl Dean and her weight. She trashes the idea of weight gain being related to deep-rooted psychological issues. ("I didn't get fat because my Mama slapped me when I was five. I gained weight because I'm a damn hog.")
If you already love her, you'll love her more, and if you don't, you will by the time she talks about sharing a bed with siblings who peed in the night.
Dolly wrote this book herself, and her singular voice just shines. Anyone who has heard her on a talk show (or listened to her music) won't be surprised to learn that she's a fine storyteller.
She says that God, sex and music are the three big things in her life (though after reading the book, I'd wager that food is a close fourth), and she has plenty to say about them all. It's worth noting that she never mentions religion in a way that is anything other than inclusive and non-judgmental of all people.
If she ever quit music, her second career could be as a comedienne. I'll remember a lot of these lines for the rest of my life. For example, when Kermit performed on her TV show, a crew member joked that it was amazing he could sing like that with a guy's hand up his ass. Dolly topped him by retorting (I paraphrase): "So what? I did the same thing for seven years on the Porter Wagoner show."
Dolly dances around her relationship with Wagoner, but a lot of truth comes out in lines like the above.
A question and answer section comes at the end of the book, with Dolly addressing common fan queries about things like rumored lesbianism, her husband Carl Dean and her weight. She trashes the idea of weight gain being related to deep-rooted psychological issues. ("I didn't get fat because my Mama slapped me when I was five. I gained weight because I'm a damn hog.")
If you already love her, you'll love her more, and if you don't, you will by the time she talks about sharing a bed with siblings who peed in the night.
December 22, 2012
I die.
This book is the antidote for cool. Anyone who thought there was any point in maintaining distanced hipness or stoic cool will probably be reminded by this book that they're full of shit and life is too special for it. Dolly's stories are fucking adorable and chaste in a rather disarming way, and makes the mind wander away from pleasure seeking and towards seeking yourself and your dreams and what makes you truly happy. Yes it's corny as fuck, and perhaps not every lesson should be taken to heart (e.g. Get lots of plastic surgery and be obsessed with your tits), but some of them are essential stuff that your shitty kid-self was too lazy to learn.
I admit to being a huge fan of Dolly's music and persona, but I really think anyone could get something out of this gem. She can ramble a bit, but literary perfection is not to be expected.
If you can resist Dolly there may be something wrong with you. xo
This book is the antidote for cool. Anyone who thought there was any point in maintaining distanced hipness or stoic cool will probably be reminded by this book that they're full of shit and life is too special for it. Dolly's stories are fucking adorable and chaste in a rather disarming way, and makes the mind wander away from pleasure seeking and towards seeking yourself and your dreams and what makes you truly happy. Yes it's corny as fuck, and perhaps not every lesson should be taken to heart (e.g. Get lots of plastic surgery and be obsessed with your tits), but some of them are essential stuff that your shitty kid-self was too lazy to learn.
I admit to being a huge fan of Dolly's music and persona, but I really think anyone could get something out of this gem. She can ramble a bit, but literary perfection is not to be expected.
If you can resist Dolly there may be something wrong with you. xo
January 5, 2009
I have always been a huge fan of Dolly and found her very fascinating. I hate to admit that I was a little disappointed when I read her biography. She comes off as a little selfish and conceited. When I got to the part where she talks about her "diet" and that she chews her food and spits it out, I couldn't bring myself to read anymore. I think that would qualify as an eating disorder and not set a very good example for her young fans. I liked the beginning of the book, however when she talks what it was like being raised in a poor family of 12 in the hills of Tennesse. The first part kept me entertained, but I struggled with the last half of it.
January 27, 2008
I read this one twice! It's just fun and easy to read. Her Southern humor is simple and refreshing, and she tells a good story without getting bogged down in details as so many autobigraphies tend to do.
November 15, 2011
dolly parton is forever fabulous, amazing, etc. i admire her honesty and her sense of humor. some other dude said it best: "if you don't like Dolly Parton I guess you're just an asshole."
also lol @ someone describing her as coming off as conceited and selfish. it's her autobiography, for fuck's sake. if ever there was a time to be selfish, it would be now. that said, i do disagree; she seems to never have forgotten where she came from and she gives back to her family, friends, and community. there's a reason this is under my 'my queen' shelf.
also lol @ someone describing her as coming off as conceited and selfish. it's her autobiography, for fuck's sake. if ever there was a time to be selfish, it would be now. that said, i do disagree; she seems to never have forgotten where she came from and she gives back to her family, friends, and community. there's a reason this is under my 'my queen' shelf.
April 17, 2022
3.5 stars.
I was so interested in her early life, then the later stuff lost me a bit. A good read overall!
I was so interested in her early life, then the later stuff lost me a bit. A good read overall!
May 2, 2008
I read this book a long time ago, so it's hard to remember the details, but parts of it still stick with me- that's how memorable they are.
I don't think I've read another autobiography that I thoroughly enjoyed so much. Dolly's personality shines through every word she writes; it feels like you're sitting next to her hearing her share her life story. Amidst all the current emotional wrecks that constitute a celebrity today, Dolly is a beautiful example of a woman who knows exactly who she is, knows what she believes in, and has a healthy and happy outlook on life.
It's a joy to read, and I recommend it to anyone.
I don't think I've read another autobiography that I thoroughly enjoyed so much. Dolly's personality shines through every word she writes; it feels like you're sitting next to her hearing her share her life story. Amidst all the current emotional wrecks that constitute a celebrity today, Dolly is a beautiful example of a woman who knows exactly who she is, knows what she believes in, and has a healthy and happy outlook on life.
It's a joy to read, and I recommend it to anyone.
June 29, 2020
Anyone who knows me, knows I adore Dolly Parton with my whole heart. I just love everything she stands for, she’s just always so positive! I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read this book it was so enlightening to be able to read each page of Dolly’s life and hear about all the challenges that has occurred in her life and she has gotten through every single one! What is more that I have loved is how she fought for her dreams of being a singer! She was truly born to be a performer! I definitely would read this again the way she writes about her life was so lovely to read!
January 14, 2013
For me, Dolly is a national treasure. I love her honesty, her openness and her folksy humor. Inspired by her memoir, I've watched 3 of her movies today. (Steel Magnolias, 9 to 5 and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, for those inquiring minds who may want to know). I've been a fan of Dolly's since I was a little girl and my mom played her album "Here You Come Again." If you're a Dolly fan, I'm sure you'll just love reading her story in her words (and hearing her voice in your head as you do so).
May 15, 2020
This book was fun. I literally laughed out loud at a few parts. This woman has a wonderful sense of humor and takes what life has thrown at her. What a beautiful spirit. Finally discovered what the song Jolene was all about.
February 24, 2013
interesting portrayal of Dolly Parton's life. Learned many things about her that I would prefer not to know.
Read
November 29, 2015Dolly Parton is a goddamned national treasure.
September 22, 2024
What can I say Dolly is amazing! I'm just sad that I waited so long to read this one. It's been on my shelf since January 2012.
July 16, 2021
This is the horniest, holiest, honky tonk of a book I've ever read. You have to read it
April 1, 2012
I'm not much a fan of country music and there are a select few country singers that I even like. Dolly Parton is one of them. I grew up listening to her music, watching her movies. My parents even took me to Dollywood a few times and I was always hoping that maybe she would be there that day so I could meet her. I've never met her, but I can still hope to meet her one day.
I only know what I've read online about Dolly Parton, but her book is a whole another experience. Really, she is an amazing and inspiring woman. She knew what she wanted and got it. That is inspiring and I respect her for going after her dreams no matter what anyone said.
Reading about her childhood was really interesting and very funny. I can't tell you how many times I laughed throughout this book. Dolly really has a wonderful sense of humor. I liked reading about her husband and it seems like they have a great relationship and really love each other.
Dolly really shines in this book, as you read it, you can almost hear her voice and laugh as she wrote all the crazy things that went on in her life. And her relationship with the Great Spirit (God) was a very interesting read. I didn't expect her to have beliefs similar to mine and the books she has read are definitely ones that I'd read. Honestly, I tend to not like books that talk about God too much, as they tend to be preachy and basically tell you what to believe. Dolly doesn't do that. She just talks about her beliefs and what the Great Spirit (God) has done for her life. She accepts everyone no matter what their beliefs and that's really nice to read she is like that.
Dolly is definitely honest in this book and I really like that. The book was really a good read and I know so much more about Dolly Parton than I did before. I still hope to meet her one day and hopefully, she will write another book too. If she does, you can bet I'll read it.
I only know what I've read online about Dolly Parton, but her book is a whole another experience. Really, she is an amazing and inspiring woman. She knew what she wanted and got it. That is inspiring and I respect her for going after her dreams no matter what anyone said.
Reading about her childhood was really interesting and very funny. I can't tell you how many times I laughed throughout this book. Dolly really has a wonderful sense of humor. I liked reading about her husband and it seems like they have a great relationship and really love each other.
Dolly really shines in this book, as you read it, you can almost hear her voice and laugh as she wrote all the crazy things that went on in her life. And her relationship with the Great Spirit (God) was a very interesting read. I didn't expect her to have beliefs similar to mine and the books she has read are definitely ones that I'd read. Honestly, I tend to not like books that talk about God too much, as they tend to be preachy and basically tell you what to believe. Dolly doesn't do that. She just talks about her beliefs and what the Great Spirit (God) has done for her life. She accepts everyone no matter what their beliefs and that's really nice to read she is like that.
Dolly is definitely honest in this book and I really like that. The book was really a good read and I know so much more about Dolly Parton than I did before. I still hope to meet her one day and hopefully, she will write another book too. If she does, you can bet I'll read it.
April 3, 2008
I really, really loved the first 1/4 of this book and it's Little-House-on-the-Prairie-ness. Then Dolly started name dropping and she didn't stop. The last half of the book is like a Hollywood yellowpages. The last chapter of the book, she actually name drops every doctor that's ever done plastic surgery on her. It was ridiculous. I would have given it one star, but I did really like the beginning.
January 4, 2013
A great story by a great storyteller (fans of her songwriting will not be surprised to note that her way with words suffuses every page like sunshine), this book is rich with warmth and self-deprecating humour. I always suspected Dolly Parton had a heart of gold to match her locks and this time spent in her world did not disappoint.
February 17, 2019
An amazing autobiography by an amazing woman. She writes the way she speaks and often I can hear Dolly's voice and giggle while sharing her stories.
February 21, 2021
Took almost a year to finished. Read half, put it down, picked it up again. Dolly is fabulous. Love.
March 18, 2019
The Devil and I certainly had one thing in common: We were both horny.
Apparently Dolly Parton is like a hillbilly Marx Brother. She's a riot!
Here's an example: When defending a new business venture that sells sexy lingerie, Dolly writes
There are plenty of charities for the homeless, I support those too, but isn't it time someone helped the homely?
Or this gem
Every day I count my blessing. Then I count my money.
Sadly the short quips are the best part. Dolly spends too much time talking about her childhood than the interesting music and Hollywood bits. Once she gets to the famous stories it's cleaned up and everyone is portrayed as upstanding and respectful humans. If there was a conflict, Dolly frames it as she must have misunderstood something and needed to grow as a person. Yeah, yeah. That's great, but it's not why anyone would read her memoir. I was hoping to learn something new, but beyond a new respect for her writing, I'm slightly disappointed.
Message: 2 stars
Writing/Prose: 4 stars
Apparently Dolly Parton is like a hillbilly Marx Brother. She's a riot!
Here's an example: When defending a new business venture that sells sexy lingerie, Dolly writes
There are plenty of charities for the homeless, I support those too, but isn't it time someone helped the homely?
Or this gem
Every day I count my blessing. Then I count my money.
Sadly the short quips are the best part. Dolly spends too much time talking about her childhood than the interesting music and Hollywood bits. Once she gets to the famous stories it's cleaned up and everyone is portrayed as upstanding and respectful humans. If there was a conflict, Dolly frames it as she must have misunderstood something and needed to grow as a person. Yeah, yeah. That's great, but it's not why anyone would read her memoir. I was hoping to learn something new, but beyond a new respect for her writing, I'm slightly disappointed.
Message: 2 stars
Writing/Prose: 4 stars
November 8, 2019
Yup. I read it. I saw someone else post about reading this not long ago and thought, I bet that's interesting. I had to find it on eBay! I have to admit, I ate this book up. I'm a sucker for biographies. I love the story of hard work and perseverance and rejection, etc in every one I read. We only see the success so often and not the journey. Now, Dollys book.....well, first of all you'll read the whole thing with a twang. I appreciated her stories from the backwoods of Tennessee. I noted through out the book that she named A LOT of people. This struck me as her way of show appreciation to everyone that helped her on her way. She discussed her rise to fame, the hardships of fame, plastic surgery, diets, "adopting" her siblings, etc..... I loved this book. I guess because she's just unapologetically her. I don't agree with it all, but I love a person saying, "this is me."
January 18, 2022
I legitimately loved this book all the way up until page 303 when Dolly said “I’ve known a lot of atheists, but I’ve never known a happy one.” Dolly is so NOT judgemental — so this singular line in her book really bothered me. Granted, it’s been 28 years since this book was published, so maybe Dolly has met some fun-loving, happy atheists since then …and if not, I’d like her to meet me. I’d bet we’d have a hoot and a holler and I could change her mind…and give her that 5th star for this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 25, 2021
Dolly is a cutie man I want her to be my Aunt Granny.
January 8, 2025
Ok this was actually such a gem! A surprise delight from a free library. Taking off one point for fatphobia but otherwise p. flawless
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