This celebratory birthday special edition honors the one-and-only Dolly Parton at 80! It’s a rhinestone-studded tribute to her life, legacy, activism, art, and sparkle. Dolly is equal parts icon and everywoman and has shaped American culture for decades—through her music, fashion, film, philanthropy, and unshakable optimism. Across 96 pages of visuals and heart-filled storytelling, we’ll explore the songs that made her a star, the looks that turned heads, the love that’s sustained her and the impact she leaves on all of us. This is Dolly’s story, told with wit, warmth, sequins, sensitivity, and soul.
Dolly Parton
DOLLY’S WORLD • Back when the concept of “multi-hyphenate” would have prompted a “multi-huh?” from most folks in the entertainment industry, Dolly Parton was doing it all. She forged ahead as a chart-topping songwriter, singer, musician, actress, author, philanthropist, businesswoman, and even theme park queen—all while staying true to her down-home roots.
NATIONAL TREASURE • From her humble beginnings in Tennessee, Dolly has used her creative gifts to chronicle the American experience and make a widespread cultural impact.
MIGHTY PROUD MOMENTS • A big birthday is a time to take stock of your successes. Dolly’s been racking up big ones since she was at her mama’s knee.
EARLY DAYS • From “a little town with a lot of hard knocks,” as Dolly put it, came the biggest-selling female country singer the world had ever seen.
A CREATIVE FORCE • Through the decades, Dolly Parton has made an everlasting mark on our culture with her music (composing more than 3,000 songs), movies, and her fearless fashion and beauty choices, too.
STAR POWER • Dolly’s magical mash-up of musical talent, style, screen presence, confidence, and humility inspires fans across demographics and generations.
BEHIND THE HITS • Dolly’s songwriting genius is second only to her exquisite voice. From pop crossovers to soulful bluegrass tunes, her discography chronicles her own life experiences while also hitting on broader truths. These are the stories behind Dolly’s most popular tracks.
GOLLY, DOLLY! • “If it makes you smile, then it’s in style,” seems to be Dolly’s fashion philosophy. She has long favored sequins, clinging silhouettes, and a maximalist approach to style and accessories.
GLAMOUR QUEEN • From her bombshell wigs to her stiletto-clad toes, Dolly has cultivated her appearance like the artist she is—and has also been candid about what it takes to look this incredible.
HITTING THE BIG SCREEN • Dolly didn’t start acting until well into adulthood, but she took right to it. From comedies to tearjerkers to campy musicals, these are the films she’ll always be remembered for.
A BEAM OF JOY • Dolly Parton has always led through generous actions, accepted folks of differing views, and kept her great big heart wide open. She’s a true humanitarian!
ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE GOOD • As Dolly sees it, we’re more alike than we are different. We’re at our best when we see the best in everyone around us!
HEART OF GOLD • From funding the COVID-19 vaccine to aiding wildfire victims to giving books to millions of children, Dolly’s lifelong acts of generosity are staggering.
A PERFECT MATCH • While Dolly’s music has always been a window into her world, she closely guarded her longtime marriage to Carl Dean. Somehow, that privacy made their partnership all the more precious.
LIFE OF THE PARTY! • All people are Dolly’s people! And she has a gift for making everyone happier for having spent time with her.
LIVE LIKE DOLLY! • Kindness, gratitude, and discipline are all embedded in this legend’s DNA, and expressed in her everyday deeds.
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