A retrospective of a country music supernova’s decades-long career hits a high note.
Written by Jenn Thornton
Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books
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.