I think a lot of people underestimated Dolly Parton. They assumed she was just what they saw, all sequins and sass but, well, blonde and probably not all that talented or smart. Even record companies turned her down in her initial quest for a contract. Boy, did she fool them. As the title says, Dolly Parton "Ain't Nobody's Fool?.
Dolly Parton is definitely one of a kind. Although never a rabid fan, I have enjoyed her music for ages and, quite frankly, didn't expect to learn much new here. Boy, was I wrong. Carefully and thoroughly researched, this book does an excellent job of not only re-introducing us to Dolly Parton the person but pulling many of the threads that wove together to create the phenomena that she has become today. She's definitely an inspiration and has helped so vary many, not only financially and professionally but to grow as humans. It's easy to point to, say, her creation of Dollywood as an example of her giving but one has to wonder how many it has not just brought joy to but inspired. How many jobs has it created that aren't directly related? Not all of her giving makes headlines of course, like her donation toward the creation of a covid vaccine did, but she put her money where her mouth was. In the process, she helped save lives in more ways than one.
I won't go into detail but will simply say that if you're even mildly curious, this would be a good resource. The author obviously admires her subject and if the long list of footnotes is any sign, wants us all to get to know her better. As a teacher, I've always admired her work with literacy, putting books into children's hands, into libraries where they're accessible, and simply encouraging reading. Nothing was handed to Dolly Parton on a silver platter, you'll read about some of the problems, hate, and negatives she faced her, but she persisted and used the gifts she'd been given to create the whole and we're all the better for it. Thanks #StMartin'sPress for allowing me this early peek at an amazing woman.
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