Star of the Show

My Life on Stage

By: Dolly Parton, Tom Roland

Narrated by: Dolly Parton, Tom Roland, Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase

A stunning celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic career as a performer, featuring entertaining personal stories alongside full-color photographs, including exclusive images and ephemera from her archive.

In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.

Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.

Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.


* This audiobook edition incliudes a downloadable companion PDF featuring select photographs from the hardcover edition of Star of the Show.

Critic reviews

“A visual feast. . . . A beautifully curated collection of career-spanning photos and also an entertaining and encyclopedic catalog of Parton’s unstoppable work ethic.”—Library Journal, starred review

“A photo-filled career retrospective from one of country music’s biggest icons . . . Parton spins entertaining stories of performing from tiny venues to huge arenas. . . . This book is suffused with joy and gratitude; it’s a wonderful look back at a remarkable career: What a way to make a living, indeed.”—Kirkus Reviews

I felt like I was there!

Dolly is so real! Love her story and all of her amazing songs. I was so fortunate to have shared it all.

Thank you for the wonderful stories and inspiration. 🙏💞🙏

Listened to the audible version and loved hearing Dolly tell her own story, in her voice, as well as getting to hear her songs.