Dolly Parton, Songteller

This collection of conversations with Dolly Parton both entertains and enlightens. With wit and more than a little wisdom, beloved singer and much-revered songwriter Parton shares the stories, beliefs, and lessons that illuminate her life, her relationships, and the country music industry. Parton believes the story a song tells is its soul; through this framework, she analyzes many of her most popular songs, including “The Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also talks about her formative years, her artistic process, the people who have influenced and helped her, and being a woman in a business dominated by men. Ultimately positive and encouraging, this audiobook provides a personal look into the self-assured existence of a woman who stands up for herself and recognizes—even laughs at—her own weaknesses. Parton also talks about her responsibility to herself and others, making a difference, and the appropriate use of power. Much like the exuberant entertainer herself, this audiobook is a delight for the ears. Recorded snippets from conversations with an interviewer are interrupted only to offer occasional explanation or to ease the listener into another segment of the book. Listeners will feel like Dolly is talking to them as if they were old friends.