Dolly Parton Fans Recommend 5 Dolly Books for 9/25 That Are Full of Joy and Sparkle
From cookbooks to children’s books, this list has something for everyone!
Key Takeaways
- Sept. 25 is a chance to celebrate Dolly Parton through her music, books and charitable work.
- ‘Behind the Seams' gives readers a look at the outfits that helped define Dolly’s style.
- ‘Good Lookin’ Cookin’ collects recipes and family stories from Dolly and her sister Rachel.
Today, 9/25, is officially Dolly Parton Day—a day to celebrate the ‘9-to-5’ singer’s life—and there are so many things that you can do to honor Dolly. You can visit Dollywood, donate to her Imagination Library, listen to her music or read a book written by the singer herself. Here at Woman’s World, we’re opting for the latter, which is why we’ve rounded up the five best books written by Dolly that are perfect for buying for yourself or gifting to others this Dolly Day. Read on for the list.
‘Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones’ by Dolly Parton
It’s no secret that Dolly loved her rhinestones, and in this 2023 book, she revealed how all of that glitter and shine came to be. The singer also shared what went into creating the memorable outfits that made her a fashion icon.
“It is my hope that you will enjoy a look at my life in costume and hair, and get to know some of the wonderful people that have helped shape my life and look,” Dolly said of the book in 2023.
What Dolly fans are saying: “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton is such a fun and inspiring coffee‑table memoir that goes way beyond your typical celebrity book. It’s a visual feast of fashion and personal stories that dives into how Dolly created her iconic, rhinestone‑covered style—from homemade outfits as a kid to the dazzling costumes she’s worn throughout her legendary career.”
‘Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals – A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food’ by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George
Ever wonder what Dolly was cooking in her kitchen? Then make sure to get this cookbook, which she co-wrote with her sister Rachel Parton George. The collection features beloved recipes for dishes like Country Ham and Biscuits, Watermelon Fruit Salad and Strawberry Shortcake, along with tips for hosting events.
“We just wanted everybody to feel like family,” Dolly told Woman’s World in 2024 after the book’s release. “We talked about family and how we love to cook. Working on the book, we got to cook together, and I loved that family time, that sister time. We’ve really put together some great recipes and plans where you can get from your cocktails to your appetizers, the meal and your dessert. It’s all planned out for you.”
What Dolly fans are saying: “When Dolly passed, I wanted to have something happy to remember her by. I not only had her greatest hits music, but I also chose this cookbook. I saw in this cookbook a happy life, but a life full of good homemade food from her family. It is full of fun southern recipes and stories. I recommend this cookbook to anyone who wants to remember a wonderful southern lady who deeply cared about America.”
‘Coat of Many Colors’ by Dolly Parton
One of Dolly’s most beloved songs, “Coat of Many Colors,” inspired both a museum and a movie. In this book, Dolly shared the real story from her childhood that sparked the iconic song. Filled with adorable drawings, heartwarming moments and lyrics from the song, this touching tale will have readers of all ages smiling.
What Dolly fans are saying: “As an elementary music teacher, I use books all the time in my lessons, and this book is no exception. I teach my students about Dolly Parton, and we listen to her songs and then talk about her life. This book is a wonderful description of her childhood and really brings the lyrics to life in order to give young students a better understanding of her childhood and musicianship.”
‘Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out’ by Dolly Parton and Erica S. Perl
In this delightful children’s book, Billy the Kid, a beloved bulldog, moves to Nashville and gets a job as an opening act for Dolly Parton’s Doggy Dance Pawty. Desperate to make the most of the opportunity, Billy starts taking dance lessons, only to fall in love with his dance teacher, Bella.
“Creating stories that are fun, real and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents to experience the joy of reading together,” Dolly said when she announced the book back in 2025, according to People magazine.
What Dolly fans are saying: “I highly recommend this delightful book. It’s fun, engaging, and sure to become a treasured favorite in any family’s library. Dolly Parton has done it again, proving why she’s not just a music legend, but also a phenomenal storyteller who can touch hearts across generations!”
‘Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics’ by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermann
Released in 2020, this stunning coffee table book was co-written with journalist Robert K. Oermann. It features 175 of Dolly’s songs and the fascinating stories that inspired them. The book also features rare photographs and memorabilia, including Dolly’s handwritten lyrics, giving readers an intimate glimpse into her creative process.
“With Songteller I talked about all the stories behind [the songs]. Why I wrote them and what was going on in my life at that time. It made me visit some places I thought I’d forgotten. And some of them I wanted to [forget],” Dolly told Bustle in 2020. “After I finished, I realized that it was really therapy for me. It was a long process, but it was cathartic.”
What Dolly fans are saying: “I think this is a great book for any music lover, but especially for Dolly fans or people who want to learn more about her. She had a tough start to life but it made her who she is today. What she’s done for her family, Tennessee and even the world is just unmatched.”
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