Saddened by the news of Dolly’s passing? Us too. One of the silver linings though has been all of the stories shared about Dolly- whether you have a connection through her music, movies, charitable works, theme park, or many other incredible feats, it’s been uplifting to hear how one person’s good deeds, kindness, and passion has impacted so many lives!
There are so many stories that use Dolly in their stories or just feel like Dolly! While we only touched on just a few, please feel free to drop your favorite stories about Dolly!
Dolly Inspired Stories
Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
Perfect for Dolly and Taylor Jenkins Reid lovers, pick up this celebration of country music, complicated women, and living openly and authentically immediately! An aspiring journalist, 17-year-old Darren has grown up loving the life and music of country music legend, Decklee Cassel, and when her televised funeral reveals an empty, long-awaited capsule, Darren decides to follow the scavenger-hunt like clues to find who has the real capsule.
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan
This love letter to the Appalachias follows Eve, a playwright, as she grapples with writer’s block, leaving her life in New York City and retreating to her grandma’s cabin. The rest and respite she was hoping for becomes complicated when she collides with Jamie, a single dad, who is navigating his own mess and problems.
Indie Darling by Lauren Nossett
If you want to visit Nashville, this mystery about a missing pop star and a Dolly Parton-loving PI will make you feel like you’re walking the same streets Dolly did. Propulsive and atmospheric, Indie Darling is both a page-turning mystery and a powerful meditation on art, obsession, and the perils of being a female artist in a celebrity-obsessed world.
That’s What Friends are For by Wade Rouse
Dolly’s style will always be iconic and is often an inspiration for many drag queens, a community she always had a lot of love for! In this ode to friendship and late in life love, four friends who do a monthly Golden Girls drag tribute have their lives upended when an estranged sister lands on their doorstep with a sassy granddaughter in tow, causing chaos and drama in their Palm Springs community.
Clothes to Make You Smile by Eric Darnell Pritchard
Speaking of fashion, this picture book biography about Patrick Kelly tells a story similar to Dolly’s. Growing up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Patrick didn’t see many other boys who liked to sew, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion at his grandma’s kitchen table, determined to make clothes that could make someone feel their best, full of joy and whimsy.
The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson
Yet another love letter to the determination and strength in the Appalachias, Cussy Mary Carter is a trailblazing packhorse librarian who must draw on her own strength, the kindness of others, and the sustaining lifeforce of stories to keep on the good fight. This page turner is another beautiful celebration of the might of the written word, friendship, and truth, all things Dolly cherished.
Literacy Efforts
Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.
“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
Unread by Oliver James
Oliver James graduated high school while maintaining functional illiteracy due to childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. But at the age of 32, he became a TikTok sensation for documenting his journey to read as an adult, reminding us that words and stories have power and it’s never too late to learn.
Make Believe by Mac Barnett
Bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett has created a celebration of the power of storytelling by taking a deep dive into children's literature. During a time when we’re facing a national literacy crisis, championing the profound joys of reading has never been more important!
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Dolly not only fought to make sure children could read, but that book banning and censorship didn’t prevent the right to decide what someone could or couldn’t read. This story follows Amy Anne who finds out her favorite book is banned which inspires an illegal locker library, discussing themes of censorship and challenges in an approachable way for middle schoolers!
Cat’s New Book by Nathalie Belhassen
This charming picture book follows Cat as he shows his friends his new book which he loves, but when his friends want to read it too and makes it dirty and not so new, Cat must look at reading and sharing in a new light. I think this book would be Dolly approved because it’s all about the power of sharing and storytelling!
9 to 5:
One of her most beloved and iconic songs that led to a movie, how could we not discuss some books that feature hard working women who are fed up?
Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez
Much like the movie, this story follows Camille as she has finally reached a turning point at her corporate office: she’s burned out. Complete with discussions of the soul-draining world of corporate and a supportive friend group, this is a perfect romcom complement!
Honey by Imani Thompson
“Look, I got a gun out there in my purse” is an iconic line Dolly delivers to a boss who has been sexually harassing her character. When Yrsa finds out that her best friend has had an affair with a professor who stole her work, she starts to develop a taste for revenge…
Dead Weight by Hildur Knútsdóttir
Yet another testament to the bonds of friendship, Unnur decides to track down the owner of the cat who wandered into her home. As Unnur and the owner develop a friendship, she realizes that her new friend has a violent man in her life, and nothing will test a friendship like blood on your hands.
August Lane by Regina Black
Every Thursday night, former country music heartthrob Luke Randall sings his only hit; a song he hates, but is all that he has until he’s offered a chance to open for a legendary country music legend, but it will mean returning to his small Arkansan hometown and the women whose lyrics he stole… August hates the hit too, but she hates Luke even more for his betrayal and with his return she must decide whether to try a love song or seek her vengeance.
