On December 2, 2025, Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers will publish Dolly Parton’s Billy The Kid Dances His Heart Out, the third standalone children’s picture book in Dolly’s New York Times bestselling series featuring French bulldog, her god-dog, Billy the Kid. In this follow up to Billy the Kid Makes It Big and Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, French bulldog and musical superstar Billy the Kid faces one of his biggest fears: dancing in front of an audience. To prepare for his exciting gig opening for Dolly Parton’s Doggy Dance Pawty, Billy enrolls in dance lessons and is paw-struck by his teacher, Bella, who is as graceful as she is beautiful. But trying to win Bella’s attention causes Billy to stumble even more—can he nail the dance routine and catch Bella’s eye, all before the big dance pawty? Dolly Parton has written an original song “Bella” specifically for this book, available December 2 in tandem with the book release. The book will be available both in hardcover and as an audiobook narrated by Dolly herself.
“I am excited to introduce Bella into Billy’s life in our new book!” exclaims Dolly. “Creating stories that are fun, real, and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents to experience the joy of reading together.”
Dolly’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009). In 2023, Dolly introduced the beloved new character Billy the Kid, inspired by her favorite god-dog, in Billy the Kid Makes It Big. The book was an instant New York Times bestseller and dubbed a “wholesome howl” by Kirkus Reviews. Her festive 2024 follow-up, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, was called “heartfelt” and “adorable” by School Library Journal.
Francesco Sedita, President & Publisher, Penguin Workshop, said, “There is no greater joy than working with Dolly on a book about dogs, dancing, and love! And to get a brand-new song from Dolly in the process has been a dream come true. We’re so excited to give Dolly—and her god-dog Billy—a brand new stage.”
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out, written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, is set for release on December 2, 2025, wherever books are sold—and is now available for pre-order.
In Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, the culminating book in Dolly Parton's photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—Dolly shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world's most dazzling and beloved performers. Star Of The Show: My Life On Stage shows readers why Dolly is at the pinnacle of success seven decades into her career.
“I’m so proud that I’ve been able to spend the last 70 plus years doing what I feel I was born to do…singing, writing, and performing," Dolly says. "Even prouder that I’ve been able to do it with and for my fans. God bless you everyone."
Star Of The Show: My Life On Stage traces Dolly’s formative years with Country legend Porter Wagoner to breaking out on her own, garnering her first million-selling song with “Here You Come Again”. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster film 9 to 5, to becoming a household name via television variety series & specials, and other feature films, her entire performance journey is documented. Most impressively, Dolly’s status as a global touring headliner from 2006 to present is solidified, with her most successful tours taking her around the world, and into sold-out arenas and stadiums. From her unforgettable 2023 Dallas Cowboys halftime show performance in front of 42 million people, to details of her brand empire, readers will see why Dolly holds the #1 QScore, as the world’s most beloved performer. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others.
Brimming with Dolly'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.
A deluxe edition of the stunning celebration of Dolly’s iconic career as a performer will also be published simultaneously by Ten Speed Press. It will feature the 350 extraordinary images and eight-page gatefold list of performances from the original edition, as well as exclusive features, including
An audio version, read by Dolly, will be published simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio.
Star of the Show: My Life on Stage by Dolly Parton with Tom Roland is now available for pre-order and will be released in both Hardcover and Deluxe Hardcover editions from Ten Speed Press on November 11, 2024. An audiobook edition, narrated by Dolly, will be published simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio.
Spring is blooming brightly for Dolly, with exciting milestones and meaningful new beginnings at every turn! From launching Dollywood’s vibrant 40th anniversary season and introducing her delightful Dolly Wines Pinot Noir, to announcing the world premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical, this season highlights Dolly’s unwavering spirit and boundless creativity.
Family favorites like Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton’s Stampede offer thrilling new shows filled with dazzling performances and unforgettable adventures. Amidst these joyful celebrations, Dolly also shares heartfelt reflections honoring the life of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, while marking 30 inspiring years of her Imagination Library.
Dive into everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off Dollywood’s 2025 season and previewed an exciting year ahead, introducing new touches and reimagined areas of the theme park, and teasing a major new project coming in 2026. The 40th anniversary season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which runs through April 13 and celebrates Dolly and her unmatched talents through songs, shows and culinary delights.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is ready to make your spring unforgettable with high-flying acrobatics, mermaids, sword fights, and a hearty four-course pirate feast. With locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Pigeon Forge, TN, this swashbuckling family adventure offers fun and thrills for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a high-spirited adventure at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, complete with daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition and a new segment that brings majestic butterflies and flowers to life. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, families can enjoy this high-spirited adventure along with a mouth-watering four-course feast!
Dolly has announced Dolly: An Original Musical, a stage show based on her life story, will premiere with a four-week limited run in Nashville starting July 18, 2025, After this special Nashville engagement at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, the production will head to Broadway in 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at just $40.
After years of jokingly avoiding the color red (thanks to “Jolene”), Dolly has had a change of heart – this California Pinot earned a 92-point rating and is bursting with red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla. The Dolly Wines Pinot Noir is available now at leading U.S. retailers in-store and online.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of inspiring a love of reading in children around the world! What began in 1995 as a small program in Dolly’s hometown has blossomed into a global literacy movement, delivering over 270 million free books to kids from birth to age five across five countries.
On March 3, 2025, Dolly’s beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at age 82. Dolly honors his memory with a stirring new song, "If You Hadn't Been There", a deeply emotional ballad that captures the depth of their love and the profound impact Carl had on her life.
Spring is a season of renewal, hope and new beginnings. As the days grow warmer and the world around us blooms in color, Dolly reminds us to embrace the promise of brighter days ahead – even if we’ve been through some storms. Let this time of year fill your heart with a joyful tune for spring.
It's been a long dark night
And I've been a waitin' for the morning
It's been a long hard fight
But I see a brand new day a dawning
I've been looking for the sunshine
You know I ain't seen it in so long
But everything's gonna work out just fine
And everything's gonna be all right
That's been all wrong
'Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day
I can see the light of a clear blue morning
Oh, and everything's gonna be all right
It's gonna be okay
Love,
The holidays are here, and Dolly is ready to deck the halls with warmth, cheer, and a little extra sparkle! This Christmas season, she’s inviting everyone to celebrate the magic of togetherness, the joy of giving, and the timeless traditions that make this time of year so special.
"There’s nothing quite like Christmas to bring us together," Dolly says. "The music, the traditions, and the love that we share remind us of what’s most important—family, friends, and the spirit of giving. That's what makes this the most wonderful time of year!"
Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this holiday season!
Billboard has ranked Dolly #1 on their prestigious list of the "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time." The list, compiled by Billboard’s editorial team, highlights the most influential and enduring figures in country music. Dolly’s spot at the top solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer whose impact transcends generations.
The merriment of the season returns during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, happening now through January 5, 2025, with cherished traditions for generations of Dollywood guests. From award-winning stage productions to delicious culinary masterpieces and 6 million twinkling lights, there is something festive in store for every family member.
Witness an incredible Christmas show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN! Experience a full-scale Nativity, a spectacular new ice-skating act, seasonal decorations, Santa Claus, an enchanting aerial performance and a delicious four-course holiday meal.
Celebrate the season at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show with a festive Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, SC, featuring thrilling stunts, a live Nativity, and a delicious holiday feast. In Pigeon Forge, TN, enjoy the classic pirate adventure with daring battles, impressive acrobatics, and family fun!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library embraces the holiday season with gratitude and joy, reflecting on a transformative year marked by meaningful milestones and expanded impact. Dolly now mails a free book EVERY second, and each book delivered brings the Imagination Library closer to its goal of inspiring a lifelong love of reading—one child at a time.
Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony with the Nashville Symphony on March 20, 2025. This innovative multimedia concert experience showcases Dolly’s songs and the stories behind them through new orchestrations, captivating visuals, and special performances by guest vocalists and musicians, offering fans a one-of-a-kind symphonic journey into her life and music. Following the world premiere, performances will take place in select cities across the USA in the 2025/2026 season.
Dolly joins with some of Country’s most promising rising stars – Callie Twisselman, Maddie & Tae, and Jessie James Decker, for a new version of award-winning songwriter Diane Warren’s heartwarming song, "Gonna Be You," from the soundtrack of Paramount Pictures' box office hit 80 for Brady.
The Recording Academy® and the U.S. Department of State announced that Dolly is the 2024 recipient of the Peace Through Music Award, which honors an American music industry professional, artist or group who has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally.
Kendra Scott announces the launch of a limited-edition collection designed in partnership with Dolly Parton, now available for a limited time. Inspired by Kendra’s admiration of Dolly and her iconic 1974 song, "Love Is Like a Butterfly," each piece in this limited-edition collection embodies Dolly's spirit as a beacon of creativity and giving back.
Dolly has teamed up with Tennessee Tourism to inspire the ultimate Playcation. Together, they’re inviting kids—and kids-at-heart—to plan their perfect Tennessee adventure with the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide. Ten Butterfly Tickets will be hidden randomly amongst the mailed guides offering a once-in-a lifetime VIP Dollywood Experience for the park’s 40th season in 2025, including luxury accommodations, season passes, and more!
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year! No matter where you spend the holidays, you can sense a spirit of joy, hope and love in the air that brings out the best in all of us. As Christmastime arrives, take time to reflect on the true reason for the season and appreciate all of the things that make the holidays so special—family, friends, and the spirit of giving.
Christmas is a time for caring
Bein' at your best
Christmas is a time for sharing
Knowin' you've been blessed
Christmas is a time for givin'
Love is made of this
That's what Christmas is
Merry Christmas!
Billboard has ranked Dolly Parton #1 on their prestigious list of the "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time." The list, compiled by Billboard’s editorial team, highlights the most influential and enduring figures in country music. Dolly’s spot at the top solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer whose impact transcends generations. Known for her signature voice, unparalleled songwriting, and boundless charisma, Dolly has become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and authenticity in both country music and popular culture.
In celebration of this top honor, the Billboard staff also counted down their top 10 staff picks for Dolly's Best Songs of All Time.
Billboard’s accolade adds to Dolly’s extraordinary legacy, reminding the world of her unmatched contributions to music. Her influence spans genres, inspiring artists like Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, and even performers in pop, rock, and hip-hop.
As the reigning queen of country music, Dolly continues to shine as a global icon and a beacon of hope, humor, and heart. Whether through her songs, her philanthropy, or her joyful presence, Dolly proves why she is, and always will be, the greatest.
Check out the full list of Billboard’s 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time on Billboard.com.
