When I thought about it, I realized that I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't at the very least like Dolly Parton. I've always enjoyed her music and bigger-than-life stage personality but must admit that it's the down-to-earth, caring Dolly that I've most adored. As such, this book was a great review of some known and some unknown aspects of her life. Nicely illustrated, too, and there were quite a few photos included that I'd never seen, a plus. Toss in the author's easy writing style that pulls from a wide variety of sources (lengthy credits at the end for both words and photos, plus extensive index), and this was a quite enjoyable read.

Oddly enough, her realness and kindness is what stuck with me more than all the big star photos and awards and wonderful events she's been part of in her life. The 4th of 12 children in a dirt-poor family, her early years were spent without running water and sharing a straw stuffed mattress with siblings, but Dolly seems to have grown up a loved and happy child, nevertheless. You'll enjoy the section early on of her attachment to butterflies, including one that lead her astray only to find her way home with the help of the family's also straying cow. I grew up on a farm, so that made me smile far more than the stories of meeting the presidents and such.

I won't detail those many meetings or awards since they're surely in the blurb. Instead, I'll simply say that if you're a Dolly fan, you will enjoy this book. Heck, even if you are the rarity and haven't discovered a love of Dolly yet, you'll probably enjoy the book. It reveals her as a real person, not the glittering star we see onstage although, quite frankly, much of her true personality does come forth when performing, whether for the Grand Ol' Opry or simply reading books to children. I enjoy Dolly the performer but think I'd treasure her as a real friend. Thanks so much for letting me read this #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #Becker&Mayer! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend some down time hanging out with one of my heroes, Dolly Parton. Yes, Dolly, "I Will Always Love You".

“Dolly Parton: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life” is a stunning tribute to the queen of country music. This beautiful volume showcases 100 of Dolly’s most notable moments, including her first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, writing “I Will Always Love You,” starring in “9 to 5,” opening her theme park Dollywood, her philanthropic efforts, and much, much more. In this book, you can look back on her accomplishments, accompanied by photographs, interviews with family and friends, and quotes from Dolly.

I absolutely loved this book and learned so much about Dolly! She is truly a remarkable woman who should be known not only for her accomplishments in country music but also her incredible philanthropic contributions. There was so much I didn’t know about her, and this book made me love her even more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer!, Epic Ink for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dolly Parton
100 Remarkable moments in an extraordinary life
Tracey E. W. Laird
From childhood, Dolly has always loved butterflies. She would become mesmerized as they flitted from one bush to another. Butterflies have become her symbol, “making their way onto every page of a children’s book written about her life, as the logo for her theme park, on some of her custom-made clothing, as a stopper for a fragrance line she launched a few years ago and as a few pastel tattoos on her body.”
Many of Dolly’s songs reflect on memories from her childhood. “In 1978 Dolly summed it up. “We had food to eat and a house to live in. Mama always made our clothes out of scraps and things people would give us. It was really hard times, but we really didn’t know there were hard times then.” “When asked about her iconic style Dolly replies, “I don’t want to be ordinary enough to keep up with the styles. I don’t want that responsibility because I’m too busy working.”
This book speaks to the real Dolly. She discusses how the Pentecostal church she grew up in affected her life and career. Her grandfather was the preacher. It was a spirit filled service. At the services if the spirit so moved the congregation would dance, sing and praise the Lord. Dolly sang a lot in that church. In her words, “I believe faith is in the heart. I’m not a religious person, but I’m very spiritual. I believe that God is love, and I’ve always been a firm believer in that thing that is greater than us, that great energy, that great love, and I’ve used that all my life. I think a lot of my achievements have come from the strength that came from my faith in God.”
The pictures in this book make come to life. If you are a fan of Dolly Parton you want this book! It is beautiful written about a beautiful lady.

Dolly can do it all! She is on of the best singers and actress and that is why I love her. This is my favorite book of her! I love the pictures and the stories for her childhood to present. I will buy this book for my home library and will be giving copies out to my family and friends who also love Dolly.

I am a fan of Dolly yet have never dove into her life much. This was captivating, well told, thoughtful and beautifully curated. It was the perfect length and had stunning photographs I’ve never seen before. A must read for life long Dolly fans and those who are just getting to know her!

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer!, Epic Ink and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I love Dolly Parton ( who doesn't) and was really excited to see this book on NetGalley.

This book is beautiful. The text is great but there are a lot of wonderful photos in this book as well.
I really enjoyed the way this book was structured, marking all of the milestones of Dolly's career.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested Dolly Parton and her long career. This book would make a wonderful gift too.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. I love Dolly Parton as she is a queen. I love reading about her life. This was an excellent book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is a great coffee table book with colorful photos throughout Dolly's life, highlighting the 100 remarkable moments. Totally would recommend this book to anyone and especially Dolly fans.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5

A week developed chronology of Dollys life beginning with her humble beginnings in rural Appalachia to her rising star status.

We learn about he symbolism of butterflies, her solid relationship with her husband, and the exceptional work ethic she possesses.

The photographs anchor the factual retelling of her journey.

Dolly is a living legend.

Any book about Dolly Parton is a book I want to read! This book had wonderful photographs and a chronological timeline of Dolly's life from birth until now. There were a lot of things I did know and a lot of things I did not know about Dolly's life and Dolly's journey. This is a great book to have around the house for when company comes!