In the first entirely new major biography of Dolly Parton for over 15
years, Stephen Miller goes behind the larger-than-life image to find out
what makes Dolly Parton tick.
A self-made woman in every sense, Dolly arrived on the Nashville scene
as a solo performer bedecked with lurid outfits and exaggerated
accessories designed to get her noticed. Later she would bring the same
approach to rebuilding her face and figure, but behind the showbiz
excesses were always the exquisite voice and an exceptional songwriting
talent.
Talking to Dolly's family members, musicians and producers Miller gets
to the core of a remarkable woman from a poor East Tennessee background
who made it in the male-dominated world of 1960s Nashville and went on
to build a respectable movie career as well.
The author explores Dolly's private life, especially her closely-guarded
relationships with her husband of nearly forty years, Carl Dean, and her
lifelong friend Judy Ogle.
What emerges is a unique portrait of a strong woman who came to town
looking like a burlesque hooker but who took control of her life, her
music and her career with resolute determination.