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The Best Little Dolly Parton Reader on the Internet

Our favorite articles (and one podcast) about the one-and-only Dolly Parton.

Alex Dalenberg

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Whether you can’t get enough of Dolly Parton’s uplifting presence (hello, Dollyssance!) or are still wondering what exactly makes her a singular icon, you’ll find something to love in this collection paying homage to her life and legend, including interviews, essays, and a deep tracks Dolly playlist.

Image by Michael Loccisano / Staff / Getty Images

The United States of Dolly Parton

A voice for working-class women and an icon for all kinds of women, Parton has maintained her star power throughout life phases and political cycles.

How Dolly Parton Became a Secular American Saint

Why everyone loves Dolly now.

The Dolly Moment

Why we stan a post-racism queen.

How Dolly Parton Helped Fund Moderna’s Vaccine

It began with a car crash and an unlikely friendship.

How Does the Great Dolly Parton Write a Song?

On memory, musical storytelling, and “Coat of Many Colors”.

Outta That Holler

The rural poverty that created Dolly Parton.

Living with Dolly Parton

Asking difficult questions often comes at a cost.

Our 10 Favorite Dolly Parton Songs

Even if you don't care too much for country music, you’ve got to love Dolly Parton.

Push Play

“It is now mostly unclear why I thought it was a good idea to bring Dolly Parton’s Greatest Hits to school with me.”

20 Insanely Great Dolly Parton Songs Only Hardcore Fans Know

From one about gold digging to another about PMS, these little-known tunes show the master songwriter’s wit, wisdom and heart.

Searching for Souvenirs at Dollywood

The Dolly Parton theme park in Tennessee has more knickknacks, clothes, and commemorative trinkets than you can imagine.

The Radical Queerness of Dolly Parton

Remembering the magical moment he interviewed Dolly Parton as a young journalist, Georgia-born Cory Albertson offers thanks for the ways her music, stage presence, and insistence on being different spurred him to “hitch a ride with the wind” and embrace the wonders of his queerness.

Listen: Dolly Parton's America

The story of a legend at the crossroads of America’s culture wars.