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Dolly Parton is known around the world for her music, unmistakable style, generous heart, and wonderfully down-to-earth personality—but her talents extend far beyond the stage. I have a blog post sharing about the Dolly Pardon’s Imagination Library and what a wonderful organization it is.
I was sad to hear of her recent passing. I wanted to be able to share some of the best books written by her or about her in this post.
Whether you want to learn more about her remarkable life, cook some of her favorite Southern recipes, enjoy a suspenseful novel she co-wrote with James Patterson, or introduce a young reader to her inspiring story, there is a Dolly book for you.
This list includes memoirs, cookbooks, children’s books, and more, with titles both written by Dolly and inspired by the life and legacy of this beloved icon.
Best Books By and About Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton & Robert K Oermann
In Songteller, Dolly Parton shares the stories and memories behind 175 songs from her remarkable career spanning more than 60 years. Told in Dolly’s own unforgettable voice, the book offers a personal look at her life, music, and songwriting. Filled with rare photographs and treasured memorabilia from her archives, it’s a special keepsake for any Dolly fan.
Dolly Parton: A Little Golden Book Biography by Deborah Hopkinson
This Little Golden Book introduces young readers to the inspiring life of Dolly Parton. Growing up with very little, Dolly followed her dreams and became a celebrated singer, songwriter, actress, author, and champion for children’s literacy—even opening her own theme park. Her kindness, humor, talent, and determination make her story encouraging for children everywhere.
Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life & Times of Dolly Parton by Martha Ackmann
In Ain’t Nobody’s Fool, Martha Ackmann traces Dolly Parton’s journey from a childhood of poverty in the Smoky Mountains to becoming a world-famous singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Dolly faced rejection, criticism, legal battles, threats, and struggles with her mental and physical health, yet she continued to reinvent herself and move forward.
The biography also explores the lasting impact of Dollywood, the Imagination Library, and Dolly’s charitable work. Drawing from interviews, rare photographs, and newly uncovered documents, Ackmann offers a revealing look at the experiences that shaped Dolly into one of America’s most admired and beloved figures.
Run, Rose, Run: by Dolly Parton & James Patterson
AnnieLee Keyes arrives in Nashville with a beautiful voice, big dreams, and a troubling past she hopes to leave behind. After she performs her original songs at a local open-mic night, she catches the attention of musician Ethan Blake and retired country legend Ruthanna Ryder.
Ruthanna recognizes AnnieLee’s talent and decides to help launch her career. But as AnnieLee steps into the spotlight, the secrets she has been hiding threaten not only her dreams of becoming a star, but also her life.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals-A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food (A Cookbook) by Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George
In Good Lookin’ Cookin’, Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George invite readers into their kitchen to share favorite family recipes and entertaining traditions. The cookbook includes more than 80 dishes, along with 12 complete menus for holidays and special occasions throughout the year.
Featuring comforting classics like country ham and biscuits, barbecue ribs, meatloaf, colorful slaw, macaroni and cheese, and strawberry shortcake, the book is also filled with family stories, helpful hosting tips, and photographs of the sisters together. Dolly and Rachel’s warmth and humor make it feel like you’re cooking right alongside the Parton family.
If you like to have a list to print out to take to your library of the books mentioned in this post sign up below:
Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You by Dolly Parton
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s popular commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Dream More explores the guiding beliefs that have shaped her life and remarkable career. Through personal stories—from her childhood in East Tennessee to her success as an entertainer and philanthropist—Dolly encourages readers to dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.
Honest, humorous, and uplifting, this book offers inspiration for anyone ready to pursue their dreams and create a meaningful life on their own terms.
Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s beloved song, Coat of Many Colors tells the story of a young girl whose mother lovingly makes her a winter coat from scraps of fabric. Although her classmates tease her for being poor, she understands that her special coat is more valuable than anything money could buy because it was created with love.
Set against Dolly’s childhood in the Smoky Mountains, this beautifully illustrated picture book shares a touching message about family, gratitude, and finding richness in the love we receive.
Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton by Randy L. Schmidt
Dolly on Dolly tells Dolly Parton’s remarkable story through a collection of interviews spanning five decades of her career. From her humble childhood in the Smoky Mountains to becoming an international superstar, Dolly reflects on her success in music, movies, television, publishing, theater, and business.
Featuring interviews from well-known publications along with conversations never before available in print, the book allows Dolly to share her journey in her own words. Her warmth, humor, honesty, and gift for storytelling make this a personal and entertaining look at the life of the Queen of Country Music.