Dolly Parton Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Musicians in Their Own Words Books

About Dolly Parton

For many, the US singer and songwriter Dolly Parton needs no introduction, being both an acclaimed musician and lyricist. Writing heartfelt songs that resonate with millions all around the world, she’s become a hugely influential artist in the country music scene. An iconic figure, she’s also well regarded for her wit and intelligence, as her work and words have drawn her a loyal following worldwide. Talented in both terms of stage presence and composition, she’s sold over 100 million records internationally as her numbers begin to grow.

Not only that but she’s also become well-known for her charity work, as she runs her non-profit organization, ‘Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.’ Through this, she has sought to bring reading to the wider general public, making it an enjoyable past-time available to everyone. Increasing literacy, she has managed to create a movement that really manages to help younger readers find books that they’ll love. As well as this, she’s also written herself, creating books with her unique brand and imprint impressed upon them.

Whether it’s reaching an audience that’s young or old, the impact she’s had is undeniable, creating work that’s resonated with readers around the world. Winning awards for her work, she’s a hugely likable figure with a lot to say and offer and has become a huge success far and wide. Instantly recognizable, she perfectly understands her audience, saying just what it is that she wants to say as an artist. With lots more to come still, she continues to make her voice her word as her career and name go from strength to strength.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1946 on the 19th of January, Dolly Rebecca Parton was born beside Little Pigeon River in a single-room log cabin. Growing up in Pittman Center, Tennessee, she was the fourth of twelve children of twelve siblings, with her parents being Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Raised with a love of music, her mother would often sing to her, leading to Dolly herself showing passion for the craft.

Performing ever since childhood, she performed on local television programs while also singing on the radio. Releasing her first single at just thirteen years of age, she would bring out her song ‘Puppy Love’ before graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964 and then moving to Nashville. Currently writing, working, and touring to this very day, she lives with her husband, Carl Dean, as more will follow in the future.

Writing Career

Always an advocate for reading and literacy, Dolly Parton has sought to increase reading as one of her many philanthropic ventures. Over the years, she’s written numerous songs, with over 3,000 songs to date currently in her extensive backlog of work. A gifted songwriter, she understands the art of lyricism perfectly, not just writing for herself but collaborating with others as well.

In the past, she’s also written books of her own, including her own autobiography, which came out back in 1994. She’s also written a picture book for children titled ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ which came out in 2016 and was illustrated by Judith Sutton, along with ‘Run Rose Run,’ a thriller released with James Patterson in 2022. All of this has helped to increase her status and stature as a creative exponentially as her brand continues to grow around the world.

Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business

This would be the autobiography of Dolly Parton up until that point, with this originally arriving in 1994 on the 20th of September. Released through the ‘HarperPrism’ publishing label, this would tell her story and where she, as an artist and creative, had originated. Reading entirely as a stand-alone work of non-fiction, it would offer a straightforward portrait of her life and what it entails.

Everyone knows Dolly Parton, the icon, seeing her face in the media and knowing her work, but this book seeks to look behind that. Telling her rags-to-riches story, it charts her humble beginnings as she goes on to reach stardom, becoming the name many know her as. Featuring plenty of insights and exclusive stories, it offers a better understanding of who she actually is as a person. There are photos featured in the book as well, offering color images from her life to back up her unique and profound story.

This book is definitely a must for any fans of Parton as a creative individual, offering a unique insight into her life. Told with good humor and warmth, it’s a story related by her and her alone, really making for an engaging and well-written book. The voice is very much her own too, and it’s also accessible to anyone who doesn’t yet know much about her as a musician.

Run Rose Run

Initially released through the ‘Little, Brown and Company’ publishing label, this would come out in 2022 on the 7th of March. A stand-alone title, this would be a thriller novel written alongside James Patterson, making for a collaborative effort between them both. It’s a mystery thriller that’s not a part of any series as such, and it’s set in and around the Nashville country music scene.

Following the story of AnnieLee, she’s a young singer and songwriter rising up, as she’s more determined than ever to make her mark. Wanting to put her past behind her, she’s looking to turn her life around and plot her own destiny, despite being on the run. Heading to Nashville, she hopes everything will change, but this may be easier said than done, as she finds that past is catching up. Will she be able to turn her life around, can she turn her life around, and what will happen as she’s told, ‘run Rose run?’

With so much drama and tension throughout, this works on every level, making for a tense and taut thriller novel. It’s clear the voice of Dolly Parton herself is shining through here, as she works well alongside the novelist James Patterson. Fans of the Parton and the country music scene will be well served, as well as those who enjoy a classic thriller mystery story.