A retrospective of a country music supernova’s decades-long career hits a high note.
Written by Jenn Thornton
Dolly Parton is one of the few figures whose stature in the culture is on par with John Wayne—even if she does stand just 5-feet tall (or “six-two in my heels and hair,” she once told a reporter). Duke and Dolly transcend fandom; they matter to people. Now, having conquered seemingly every stage from her native Tennessee to the hot lights of Nashville and Hollywood, the award-winning singer-songwriter, businesswoman and humanitarian gifts us this sensational new tome. Equal parts memoir and songbook, it is a treasure trove of personal stories and the inspiration behind her most talked-about tunes including “Jolene” and “9 to 5.” As for “I Will Always Love You,” the feeling is mutual Dolly.