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Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones
A beautiful celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic sense of style through entertaining personal stories and 450 full-color photographs, including exclusive images from her private costume archive
In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.
Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.
In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.
Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
About the author
Dolly Parton
103 books1,491 followersDolly Rebecca Parton is a Grammy Award-winning country music singer/songwriter, author, actress and philanthropist. To date, she remains one of the most successful country artists, with 25 number-one singles (a record for a female performer) and 42 top-10 country albums (more than anyone else).
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews
November 17, 2023
At one point Dolly says that her pants are so tight that if she farts her wig will fly off, so, five stars.
January 20, 2024
Okay, let’s just get this out of the way before I begin…
I love Dolly Parton. Everything about her. She is generous, beautiful, talented and totally honest about herself.
And…
Her Imagination Library organization is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. (I always love it when those books are donated to our Little Free Library Shed.)
So…
When we were invited inside her closet, why not enjoy the experience? Right?
Because…
Whenever we see the public Dolly Parton, we know she is going to be well-made up, with gorgeous wigs, and over-the-top costumes that she is quite comfortable considering as everyday wear.
And…
We learn all about it in her 10 chapters filled with photos that give voice to her fashion designers, costumers, makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers and fashion archivists.
These same individuals…
Also share their own personal stories of what it is like to work with Ms. Parton.
And…
How can you not resist such chapter titles as: Isn’t a star supposed to shine? – or, Daisy Mae in Hollywood – or, Country Girl Glam – or Head over High Heels?
So…
For readers, this gorgeous coffee table book is truly a trip down memory lane just watching her evolve through the storied pictures.
Her first words…
“Clothes are like songs. Just as hearing certain music brings back particular memories, so it is with certain outfits.”
And…
Off we go. Turning pages and being mesmerized by her. (And speaking of turning pages…it was so readable, I couldn’t put it down!)
“I just wanted to be different. I wanted to be seen.”
Well…
Look at her now. Different. Seen. Definitely not invisible!
It is a bit memoir that isn’t typical storytelling because we are invited in to see her through the ages via pictures and words…
And…
You (the fan-reader or soon to become one) are learning everything you want to know about her.
And…
As we come to see, pictures can tell a story, just as much as words do.
Which…
Makes this book quite the journey. From mountain girl who desired to be noticed, to young woman, to icon who could sparkle as much as she wanted.
And…
As readers, hanging out in her closet, we are given the most intimate details of her life.
So…
Having travelled this visual journey, it isn’t difficult to say…
Dolly Parton, is a true celebration of life. Many different outfits at a time.
I love Dolly Parton. Everything about her. She is generous, beautiful, talented and totally honest about herself.
And…
Her Imagination Library organization is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. (I always love it when those books are donated to our Little Free Library Shed.)
So…
When we were invited inside her closet, why not enjoy the experience? Right?
Because…
Whenever we see the public Dolly Parton, we know she is going to be well-made up, with gorgeous wigs, and over-the-top costumes that she is quite comfortable considering as everyday wear.
And…
We learn all about it in her 10 chapters filled with photos that give voice to her fashion designers, costumers, makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers and fashion archivists.
These same individuals…
Also share their own personal stories of what it is like to work with Ms. Parton.
And…
How can you not resist such chapter titles as: Isn’t a star supposed to shine? – or, Daisy Mae in Hollywood – or, Country Girl Glam – or Head over High Heels?
So…
For readers, this gorgeous coffee table book is truly a trip down memory lane just watching her evolve through the storied pictures.
Her first words…
“Clothes are like songs. Just as hearing certain music brings back particular memories, so it is with certain outfits.”
And…
Off we go. Turning pages and being mesmerized by her. (And speaking of turning pages…it was so readable, I couldn’t put it down!)
“I just wanted to be different. I wanted to be seen.”
Well…
Look at her now. Different. Seen. Definitely not invisible!
It is a bit memoir that isn’t typical storytelling because we are invited in to see her through the ages via pictures and words…
And…
You (the fan-reader or soon to become one) are learning everything you want to know about her.
And…
As we come to see, pictures can tell a story, just as much as words do.
Which…
Makes this book quite the journey. From mountain girl who desired to be noticed, to young woman, to icon who could sparkle as much as she wanted.
And…
As readers, hanging out in her closet, we are given the most intimate details of her life.
So…
Having travelled this visual journey, it isn’t difficult to say…
Dolly Parton, is a true celebration of life. Many different outfits at a time.
February 12, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ fashion
Publication date ~ October 17, 2023
Est page Count ~ 335 (10 chapters)
Audio length ~ 4 hours 21 minutes
Narrators ~ Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren - contributor, Rebecca Seaver - curator
Featuring ~ interview format with some songs
There's no doubt Dolly is an icon and a beautiful soul. A voice you'd recognize anywhere. I love that when people tried to change her she chose to stay true to herself.
We're taken through interviews about the various outfits she's worn throughout her decades long career. We hear from stylists that explain what a true delight she is to work with.
My daughter and I visited Dollywood a couple years ago, but unfortunately we did not get a glimpse of Dolly, which is super sad. I have no doubt if approached she'd be friendly and welcoming.
I give it 3 stars because I thought I was getting a memoir and I feel like I missed out by listening since there are 450 photos in the print version that showed her love of rhinestones, big wigs, and the colors pink and white..
Narration notes:
The interview format was performed conversationally. There were clips of Dolly singing that added a little extra to the story. I love her giggle, too.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ fashion
Publication date ~ October 17, 2023
Est page Count ~ 335 (10 chapters)
Audio length ~ 4 hours 21 minutes
Narrators ~ Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren - contributor, Rebecca Seaver - curator
Featuring ~ interview format with some songs
There's no doubt Dolly is an icon and a beautiful soul. A voice you'd recognize anywhere. I love that when people tried to change her she chose to stay true to herself.
We're taken through interviews about the various outfits she's worn throughout her decades long career. We hear from stylists that explain what a true delight she is to work with.
My daughter and I visited Dollywood a couple years ago, but unfortunately we did not get a glimpse of Dolly, which is super sad. I have no doubt if approached she'd be friendly and welcoming.
I give it 3 stars because I thought I was getting a memoir and I feel like I missed out by listening since there are 450 photos in the print version that showed her love of rhinestones, big wigs, and the colors pink and white..
Narration notes:
The interview format was performed conversationally. There were clips of Dolly singing that added a little extra to the story. I love her giggle, too.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
October 25, 2023
It was a pleasure to listen to Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton and others. There is an autobiography. Here, the listener could also hear her songs. It is written with the help of other people who have worked with Dolly, and they also comment on their time with Dolly while working with her.
January 10, 2024
As Dolly herself always said . . .
This is all about Dolly’s signature style (which she happily admits was inspired by the “Town Tramp” when she was a little girl).
If you follow me you know I’ve started listening to audiobook memoirs while walking. My turn at the library came up for this one when it was still pleasant outside and I was making my way to and from the park with a walking trail a couple miles away from my house. I could listen to Dolly forever and easily get a minimum of five miles in anytime she’s in my ear.
Every Star.
This is all about Dolly’s signature style (which she happily admits was inspired by the “Town Tramp” when she was a little girl).
If you follow me you know I’ve started listening to audiobook memoirs while walking. My turn at the library came up for this one when it was still pleasant outside and I was making my way to and from the park with a walking trail a couple miles away from my house. I could listen to Dolly forever and easily get a minimum of five miles in anytime she’s in my ear.
Every Star.
October 17, 2023
I received an ALC copy of this book from the publisher.
Honestly I would read a book about paint drying if Dolly wrote it, angel queen book goddess. I never would have guessed i would read a book about rhinestones.
If you are a Dolly fan, read it. If you aren’t, what’s wrong with you.
Honestly I would read a book about paint drying if Dolly wrote it, angel queen book goddess. I never would have guessed i would read a book about rhinestones.
If you are a Dolly fan, read it. If you aren’t, what’s wrong with you.
January 2, 2024
My Top 5 Dolly Parton Songs
1. Hard Candy Christmas
2. Here You Come Again
3. I Will Always Love You
4. Jolene
5. Islands in the Stream
Honorable Mentions
1. 9 to 5
2. Tennessee Homesick Blues
What better way to start off 2024 than with Dolly Parton.
I love Dolly like most people. I don't really trust people who don't like Dolly. She's been an icon not only my whole life but my parents whole life too. I don't know all that much about her life but I do plan on reading either her memoir or a biography about her eventually.
This is not a book about her life...or is it?
This is a coffee table book about her style. She talks about her style as a child ( her infamous coat of many colors) through all her tour, album, movies and award show costumes. Dolly Parton has a style unlike anyone else. Dolly is Dolly and we love it. She dresses sexy but not sexual if that makes any sense.
If you like Dolly Parton or just like style look books than I recommend you pick this book up. Its a quick read and the pictures of her clothes are beautiful.
Dolly's the best!
1. Hard Candy Christmas
2. Here You Come Again
3. I Will Always Love You
4. Jolene
5. Islands in the Stream
Honorable Mentions
1. 9 to 5
2. Tennessee Homesick Blues
What better way to start off 2024 than with Dolly Parton.
I love Dolly like most people. I don't really trust people who don't like Dolly. She's been an icon not only my whole life but my parents whole life too. I don't know all that much about her life but I do plan on reading either her memoir or a biography about her eventually.
This is not a book about her life...or is it?
This is a coffee table book about her style. She talks about her style as a child ( her infamous coat of many colors) through all her tour, album, movies and award show costumes. Dolly Parton has a style unlike anyone else. Dolly is Dolly and we love it. She dresses sexy but not sexual if that makes any sense.
If you like Dolly Parton or just like style look books than I recommend you pick this book up. Its a quick read and the pictures of her clothes are beautiful.
Dolly's the best!
October 12, 2023
Every little taste I get of Dolly makes me love her more and this is no exception! I listened to the audiobook and between the snippets of songs, the praise from many people she has worked with, and her sweet and hilarious stories, it was love.
January 10, 2024
Dolly Parton our international treasure <3 Had a great time listening to the audio, it's narrated by Dolly and some of the people who worked with her. I wish I had the ebook or physical for the pictures though, but rest assured I will be getting it!!!
September 6, 2023
5 million rhinestoned stars ✨
January 24, 2024
I love Dolly, ok, let's start with that, I love her songs, her style, her wit, her generosity and self-depricating humour. She's just the best.
I listened to Behind The Seams and it's just lovely. It's like sitting in a comfy chair and having a chat with Dolly as you'd with your best friend. Hardcover is beautifully illustrated and it's great to see all the outfits that Dolly mentions.
If you love Dolly, if you love country music, if you love fashion, that book is a must read. And audiobook is a great addition.
I listened to Behind The Seams and it's just lovely. It's like sitting in a comfy chair and having a chat with Dolly as you'd with your best friend. Hardcover is beautifully illustrated and it's great to see all the outfits that Dolly mentions.
If you love Dolly, if you love country music, if you love fashion, that book is a must read. And audiobook is a great addition.
November 2, 2023
I like Dolly Parton. I am not a country music fan but I have always admired her.
This was not a traditional memoir. She was asked questions about her clothes, hair, makeup, etc., and she answered them throughout this book. Other people in her life also chimed in on the same questions. I liked the way she stayed true to who she was, as well as who she wanted to be. She didn't compromise on anything that didn't feel right to her. And in her bright light she has succeeded while being steadfast in her own journey.
She was sweet and personable. I enjoyed listening to the audio. So 4 stars.
This was not a traditional memoir. She was asked questions about her clothes, hair, makeup, etc., and she answered them throughout this book. Other people in her life also chimed in on the same questions. I liked the way she stayed true to who she was, as well as who she wanted to be. She didn't compromise on anything that didn't feel right to her. And in her bright light she has succeeded while being steadfast in her own journey.
She was sweet and personable. I enjoyed listening to the audio. So 4 stars.
October 11, 2023
Does it get any better than Dolly Parton? She seems like one of the few genuine celebrities who uses her power for good and has foregone billionaire status to donate and create many charities and foundations instead, from the Imagination Library to environmental work.
Behind the Seams focuses on Parton’s unique and influential fashion and the many people who contributed to her look, but it’s also about her life, music, and small beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The audiobook was a joy, and with its interview format it feels like listening to a friendly conversation rather than a memoir. The accompanying pdf document is quite generous at over 100 pages complete with full color photographs and notes about her fashion through the years.
Highly recommend this to Dolly Parton fans, readers who love fashion, and anyone curious about the icon herself.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.
Behind the Seams focuses on Parton’s unique and influential fashion and the many people who contributed to her look, but it’s also about her life, music, and small beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The audiobook was a joy, and with its interview format it feels like listening to a friendly conversation rather than a memoir. The accompanying pdf document is quite generous at over 100 pages complete with full color photographs and notes about her fashion through the years.
Highly recommend this to Dolly Parton fans, readers who love fashion, and anyone curious about the icon herself.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.
December 29, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook and it was just like getting to listen to an interview. Dolly spoke conversationally and there are song clips and various speakers. It was a great listen and a short one! The physical book itself is gorgeous. If you love Dolly or have a special interest in fashion, this is the book for you. I picked it up solely for Dolly.
October 23, 2023
This is an incredible book. The photographs are astounding, capturing incredible details. I love Dolly and I love fancy clothes; this book was a perfect weekend read.
October 24, 2023
A sweet collection and peek into Dolly Parton's closet. This book is a must have. The pictures are gorgeous and it's fun going back to see how her look has changed throughout the years.
December 29, 2023
This was a charming read, especially if you like Dolly already.
The book itself was a little different than I expected, not better or worse, just different. It featured more interviews than a memoir narrative structure. I could tell that the questions had been added in after the fact because the flow felt clunky but I really liked the insights and hearing Dolly’s sweet, familiar, southern voice telling her stories as well as the clips of songs and style moments from her career.
The word that keeps coming back to is “charming.”
The book itself was a little different than I expected, not better or worse, just different. It featured more interviews than a memoir narrative structure. I could tell that the questions had been added in after the fact because the flow felt clunky but I really liked the insights and hearing Dolly’s sweet, familiar, southern voice telling her stories as well as the clips of songs and style moments from her career.
The word that keeps coming back to is “charming.”
November 27, 2023
This book is beautiful. It's also lovely on audio because I just love Dolly's voice talking to me, telling her stories.
It includes interviews with her makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers and makers, and Dolly herself reminiscing about her style as it's progressed over the years. She talks about her favorite iconic outfits and gives credit to the creative people she's worked with who have understood her vision to be that Backwoods Barbie we all know and love. My favorite parts were the details about her hair, her choice to start using wigs, and her stylists' behind the scenes on wig styling and care. Dolly has at least 17 wigs to choose from for each of her appearances, each styled for that one appearance and taking 3 to 6 hours each to prepare for her.
To me, Dolly's voice is like Home. She is tender and fierce, soft and strong. She uses all that money she has to spread love to everyone she can. I adore her, and this book was a delight, as is everything she touches.
It includes interviews with her makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers and makers, and Dolly herself reminiscing about her style as it's progressed over the years. She talks about her favorite iconic outfits and gives credit to the creative people she's worked with who have understood her vision to be that Backwoods Barbie we all know and love. My favorite parts were the details about her hair, her choice to start using wigs, and her stylists' behind the scenes on wig styling and care. Dolly has at least 17 wigs to choose from for each of her appearances, each styled for that one appearance and taking 3 to 6 hours each to prepare for her.
To me, Dolly's voice is like Home. She is tender and fierce, soft and strong. She uses all that money she has to spread love to everyone she can. I adore her, and this book was a delight, as is everything she touches.
November 20, 2023
I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton’s even though I don’t really care for her music so I decided to give BEHIND THE SEAMS a listen. Most of the book is an interview with Dolly with questions centered around outfits she wore at different times. There are also a few highlights from some of the clothing designers she’s worked with through the years. I enjoyed listening to this book - it gave me a feel for the woman as well as the entertainer - because I felt hearing Dolly’s voice added enhanced the interview. I’d like to flip through a copy of the print version since it’s filled with photographs. This is the perfect book for Dolly fans!
December 5, 2023
Not too much to rate in regards with writing, because it wasn't a full length book but rather a history of photographs of past outfits, but I absolutely loved getting to learn some of the "behind the seams" of all of Dolly's famous and personal favorite outfits! This book was extremely well put together from start to finish and had the cutest cover and chapter pages I've ever seen! You can really tell how much time and effort was put into this creating this book and I would absolutely love to read more like it!
March 5, 2024
The first time I ever saw Dolly and heard her sing was on the Porter Wagoner Show in the mid '60s. Dolly did a spot on the program each week for Duz Detergent, the laundry soap with a free towel in the box. Dolly would pull the towel out of the box and exclaim, "Looky here, Porter!" And of course, I LOVED her outfits and hair. Dolly Parton Behind the Seams offers fans a retrospective of Dolly's unique style. Readers learn about her designers and the history of her amazing wardrobe. The photographs are in gorgeous color and the narrative is interesting, chock full of Dolly trivia. I love Dolly for her amazing charitable works, especially Imagination Library which has placed over two million books in the hands of children, ages birth to five years old! All these years post-Porter Wagoner, Dolly is going stronger than ever!
November 5, 2023
I love Dolly so much 😭😭😭😭😩
December 12, 2023
A good book, but not which I expected...
November 9, 2023
The audio version of this was outstanding, but you really can't appreciate this without the beautiful photos in the hardcopy. In this instance I recommend reading both
November 13, 2023
To thine oneself be true, could aptly sum up this excellent audiobook celebrating Dolly Parton's iconic and timeless style. Narrated by the icon herself, Behind the Seams takes readers on a journey through Dolly's early style, makeup, fashion, wigs, and more. Interspersed throughout the interviews are song clips and interviews with some of the designers and stylists who have helped showcase Dolly’s unique and unforgettable vision. From the Country Music Awards, The Porter Wagoner Show, album covers, Studio 54, and The Playboy cover – each outfit has a story to tell. Dolly Parton’s style has evolved over the years, but has always been flashy, busty, unique, and glitzy; just like the legend herself. Part memoir, part fashion manifesto, part archive; Behind the Seams is filled with humor, confidence, candor. This audiobook deserves all the rhinestone stars it can get.
November 30, 2023
This coffee table style book - an in-depth look at some of Dolly’s most iconic looks - was surprisingly excellent on audio. It was essentially a long-form interview with Dolly herself, and who doesn’t love hearing her speak?? She’s so smart and funny. This was just delightful! I’m hoping to get the physical copy for Christmas. She’s gonna need to publish an update to include that Cowboys Cheerleader uniform!
February 16, 2024
good book for anyone who really likes her as a person and her music and i appreciated the stories of her childhood they were really charming but after that it wasn’t really my cup of tea even though i love dolly, five stars anyways because she’s great and that’s what she deserves
January 3, 2024
This audiobook was wonderful! It had snidbits of singing + the interview format was so fun! I'm not a huge fashion girly but hearing about Dolly's outfits was very fun!
Thank you Librofm for my copy!
Thank you Librofm for my copy!
February 9, 2024
This was absolutely wonderful. The audiobook was so well done. It wasn’t just Dolly reading out the book but more like a long interview with her and people who have worked with her on her style. Also loved that there were original audio snippets from shows she did and her songs. She just always seems like such a genuine and charming person.
February 28, 2024
This was a pure delight! I listened to the audio, which had lots of music to go with her stories and it was just a joyful experience. If you need something short and uplifting I highly recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews