Dolly Parton

This book brings all of my Southern tendencies and accent to the forefront. I'm glad I can have something in common with Miss Parton, besides my big bazoom, that is.

I display this book proudly in my main bookcase for all the world to see. There's no shame in loving Dolly, and her autobiography is a fine testament to a life well lived. The book displays enough of her self-deprecating humor and wit, and she's in fine company with Keats, Yeats, Dickens and the Bronte sisters. I should wrap the show more book in neon lights for all to see.

I've been in love with Dolly since "Steel Magnolias" ( I'm more of a Weeza, but I certainly loved Truvy's optimism). I may have only been 13 at the time, but it was still too late of a discovery for what it's worth. That's time I won't ever get back, the ignorance of not knowing Dolly.

I "borrowed" this book from a person who never asked for it back, and that's just fine with me. I read it once, and went back to certain chapters that hit the spot when one of my moods warranted. I'm one moody Southern girl.

I'll tell you something else, too. I love it when Dolly talks about her husband, Carl Dean. I love Carl Dean. Hell, if I sat on millions and millions of dollars, I'd still want my man to go to a drug store on Valentine's Day and pick up a heart shaped box of candy that costs all of a dollar, drive home and come into our mansion and say, "Well, here." That's not just romance. That's pure love. He can store any extras in my deep freeze anytime.

And yes, I read this book every few years or so, especially when I'm feeling down. For anyone who loves Miss Dolly, well, what took you so long? This book is for you.

“I was the first woman to burn my bra - it took the fire department four days to put it out.” --Dolly Parton show less

Dolly Parton has moved beyond singer, songwriter and actress and is now a global icon in my eyes for her philanthropy, like the Imagination Library which sends books to children and funding for COVID-19 vaccines. This large and heavy hardcover book focuses on Dolly’s outfits and costumes over the years, from her beginnings in TV singing duets through to today. It’s a wonderfully fun and sparkly read.

The book goes through the decades one at a time, describing Dolly’s achievements at the show more time before you get to read Dolly’s take on it in the first person. It really does feel like Dolly is narrating the story about different dresses and patterns to the reader. The writing is just like how she speaks and it makes the story more authentic. The book also celebrates those who have worked with Dolly on her appearance over the years, from clothes designers to shoe design, hairdressing for wigs and makeup. As Dolly says herself, it takes a lot of money to look this cheap! Her costumes are incredibly ornate with a lot of sparkle (sometimes completely covered in rhinestones) and it’s good to be able to study the patterns close up. She also explains about her ‘sister’ outfits, similar designs but with different beading or overlays. She’s also funny, cheeky and brutally honest in her stories, which I loved.

As the book comes closer to the present, you can see Dolly’s style changing but still staying true to her. She knows what looks good on her and how to work it to her advantage. She is an amazing woman who is not only delightful but very generous. A really fun and engrossing read which is a must for Dolly or anyone who likes a sparkle or ten.

I only wish that the book had included the outfits she wears in her new cookbook with her sister Rachel (Good Lookin’ Cookin’). They are amazing!

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As the book comes closer to the present, you can see Dolly’s style changing but still staying true to her. She knows what looks good on her and how to work it to her advantage. She is an amazing woman who is not only delightful but very generous. A really fun and engrossing read which is a must for Dolly or anyone who likes a sparkle or ten.
I only wish that the book had included the outfits she wears in her new cookbook with her sister Rachel (Good Lookin’ Cookin’). They are amazing! show less

This was a great audiobook to listen to, narrated by Dolly herself which I really enjoyed. As a music lover of all types of music Dolly is a song writing force to be reckoned with. Her songs spanned so many years, decades even and has been sang not only by herself but so many well known artists even today she still remains relevant particularly in the country music fraternity. The format of the audiobook is one of an interview on her music, the song she wrote, the people she worked with show more snippets of her music intertwined which makes for great listening. I really enjoyed how she explains her song writing process and how she takes an idea and then builds it out into a poem or song and then the music compilation. She certainly has worked with the whos who in the music industry and I enjoyed the snippets of information that she shared about her experiences working with these folks from Goldie Hawn to Porter Wagoner to Kenny Rogers it all makes for very interesting listening. Take a listen and you will benefit from the wisdom and beauty that is Dolly. show less

To thine oneself be true, could aptly sum up this excellent audiobook celebrating Dolly Parton's iconic and timeless style. Narrated by the icon herself, Behind the Seams takes readers on a journey through Dolly's early style, makeup, fashion, wigs, and more. Interspersed throughout the interviews are song clips and interviews with some of the designers and stylists who have helped showcase Dolly’s unique and unforgettable vision. From the Country Music Awards, The Porter Wagoner Show, show more album covers, Studio 54, and The Playboy cover – each outfit has a story to tell. Dolly Parton’s style has evolved over the years, but has always been flashy, busty, unique, and glitzy; just like the legend herself. Part memoir, part fashion manifesto, part archive; Behind the Seams is filled with humor, confidence, candor. This audiobook deserves all the rhinestone stars it can get. show less