Dolly Parton: The Stories Behind the Songs - The very best tracks, explored and explained

Discover the fascinating stories that lie behind the music.

In a career spanning 75 glorious years, Dolly Parton has written some of the greatest songs in music history. Join award-winning author Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard) as she uncovers the fascinating inspiration behind more than 150 of Dolly's finest compositions from across her long and hit-filled career.

From her biggest hits to hidden gems, Zaleski explores and explains the details of each song, from Jolene and 9 to 5, to Here You Come Again and the timeless I WIll Always Love You.

A journey through some of the biggest songs ever written - plus some surprising, lesser-known deep cuts - this is the story of a true country legend, told through her music.

About the author

Annie Zaleski is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling music author and journalist. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Billboard, the LA Times, Salon and Time magazine. She has written several books on artists including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Duran Duran. Annie lives in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Product details

• Authors: Annie Zaleski
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 06.08.2026
• EAN: 9781035428588
• ISBN: 978-1-0354-2858-8
• No. of pages: 240
• Illustrations: c.200 colour and B&W photographs
• Series: The Stories Behind the Songs
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Music > General, dictionaries; Music, Rock & Pop music, Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups, MUSIC / Genres & Styles / General, MUSIC / History & Criticism, MUSIC / Individual Composer & Musician, MUSIC / Reference, MUSIC / Genres & Styles / Country & Bluegrass, MUSIC / Genres & Styles / Pop Vocal, MUSIC / Instruction & Study / Songwriting, MUSIC / Discography & Buyer's Guides, Biography: arts & entertainment, History of Music, Pop Music, Country & Western music, Music reviews & criticism, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Music, Musicians, singers, bands and groups, Music reviews and criticism, Other global and regional music styles