Dolly Parton: A Look at Her Autobiography, Legacy, and Newest Album

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Dolly Parton, the Rockstar

Dolly Parton, the undisputed queen of country music, continues to defy expectations and redefine her legendary legacy with a bold new venture into the realm of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by a nomination to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her latest album seamlessly blends her unmistakable voice with the gritty energy of rock. With this step, Parton proves that her creative flame burns as brightly as ever.

In this feature, we delve into the elaborate world of Dolly Parton, exploring the sonic evolution reflected in her latest musical endeavor, the profound reflections recorded in her autobiography, and her legacy as a whole.

 

Stepping out of her comfort zone

While a rock ‘n’ roll album — aptly titled Rockstar — from a septuagenarian country star may seem like a move out of left field, the 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer said in an interview with Billboard that part of what drove her to record a rock album is her husband’s love of the genre. The result? A 30-track collection of covers and originals full of passion and punch that’s all in all a good time.

Plus, only a superstar of Parton’s caliber can, in one album, collaborate with the likes of Sting, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry, Miley Cyrus, and Lizzo, and still come out with a cohesive piece of work. Despite her earlier protestations at being nominated to be a part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Parton is now on the course to securing her first Grammy in the rock genre, especially considering that World on Fire, one of the album’s original tracks, topped Billboard’s Rock Digital Sales chart in May.

 

Life, as told by the icon herself

In her captivating autobiography, Dolly Parton: Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, the indomitable country crooner lifts the curtain on the soundtrack of her extraordinary life. With the same candid charm that defines her stage presence, Parton takes readers on a poignant journey through her most cherished songs, unraveling the stories and emotions that inspired each lyrical masterpiece.

Narrated by none other than Parton herself, the audiobook version is available on Everand and serves as a heartfelt testament to the icon’s resilience, wit, and unyielding passion for storytelling. As she reflects on her decades-long career, Parton bares her soul, creating an intimate connection with her audience that transcends the boundaries of time and musical genres.

 

A rhinestone-studded legacy

A few years after the release of the New York Times Best Seller Songteller, Parton followed it up with a memoir tracing her fashion evolution entitled Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones. In it, she goes on a deep dive, recounting the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion and how she developed her distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.

At the moment, Parton is working on a Broadway musical about her life story, telling USA Today that she’s been deeply involved in all the aspects of production including writing and choosing all the music as well as co-writing the script.

Beyond her musical successes, Parton’s multifaceted career spans acting, producing, and theme park ownership. Her larger-than-life persona is matched by her generous spirit with philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library, which provides books to children worldwide. Dolly Parton stands as a testament to talent, tenacity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on both the stage and in the hearts of her admirers.

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