Audio only
Dolly Parton (1946–2026)
The Life, The Music, and The Untold StoryBy Michael D. Raymond
Length3h 45m
About this audiobook
Discover the definitive Dolly Parton biography readers can't stop talking about in 2026 — a heartfelt, meticulously researched tribute to the woman Rolling Stone called an American original. From a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains to global superstardom, this biography traces the complete life story of the Queen of Country: her Tennessee roots, her rise through Nashville, the songs that shaped generations, and the philanthropy that changed millions of lives.
Go beyond the rhinestones and chart-topping hits to meet the woman behind the legend. Relive the true story behind "Coat of Many Colors," the real inspiration for "Jolene," and how Dolly Parton refused Elvis Presley's request for "I Will Always Love You" — a decision that made her one of the wealthiest self-made women in music history. Follow her journey from the Porter Wagoner Show and the Grand Ole Opry to her explosive pop crossover with "Here You Come Again," her unforgettable film debut in 9 to 5 alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and the founding of Dollywood, the theme park that transformed an entire Tennessee county.
This biography also explores Dolly Parton's nearly 60-year marriage to Carl Dean, her deep and undogmatic Christian faith, her decades-long embrace of the LGBTQ+ community, and the creation of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — a literacy program inspired by her illiterate father that has mailed over 300 million free books to children worldwide.
Written in a warm, inspiring, and deeply human tone, this is more than a music biography — it's a story of resilience, reinvention, faith, and generosity. Perfect for lifelong fans and new readers discovering Dolly Parton's extraordinary legacy for the first time, this collector's edition biography features never-before-connected details, verified facts, little-known trivia, and a full timeline of her career from 1946 to her passing in 2026.
Whether you're searching for a country music biography, a celebrity memoir, an inspiring life story, or the ultimate Dolly Parton tribute book, this is the untold story fans, historians, and new admirers have been waiting for.
Perfect for readers who loved biographies of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire — and for anyone who has ever sung along to "9 to 5," "Jolene," or "I Will Always Love You."
Audiobook details
GenreBiography and Memoir, Other
Length3 hrs 45 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 17, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Chapter One: A Songbird Born in the Smoky Mountains 3
3Chapter Two: Twelve Children One Cabin and a Voice Waiting to Rise 9
4Chapter Three: Sevier County Roots and the Making of a Dreamer 13
5Chapter Four: Nashville Bound with a Guitar and Nothing Else 18
Show all chaptersShow less
6Chapter Five: The Porter Wagoner Years and Finding Her Own Sound 22
7Chapter Six: Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and a Songwriter Comes Into Her Own 26
8Chapter Seven: Crossing Over from Country Radio to Pop Stardom 30
9Chapter Eight: Hollywood Lights and the Making of Nine to Five 33
10Chapter Nine: Dollywood Rises and the Mountains Give Something Back 38
11Chapter Ten: Carl Dean, Faith, and a Love Kept Mostly Private 44
12Chapter Eleven: Little Known Facts and Surprising Sides of Dolly 50
13Chapter Twelve: Imagination Library and the Legacy of an American Original 54
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