On October 1, 2024, Penguin Young Readers will publish Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, a new, standalone sequel to Dolly’s New York Times bestselling picture book, Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big. This heartwarming tale, written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, features Dolly’s beloved god-dog and is inspired by her song 'Comin' Home for Christmas'. The story follows Billy the Kid, a French bulldog who seemingly has everything: a place in Nashville, a great band, and even a cross-country tour. But when Billy’s band is scheduled to perform at Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day, he must decide what matters to him most: fame or family?
"I always love celebrating Christmas with my family and of course my god-dog Billy," says Dolly. "Since he’s a big star now, he deserves his own holiday special! Using my 'Comin’ Home for Christmas' lyrics, I wanted to tell a story about the importance of family and friends, especially during the holidays. I hope this is a book families will be excited to read every year for Christmas."
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.
"Dolly is making sure that her beloved God-Dog Billy will never have a ‘Hard Candy Christmas,’" says Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop. "This book is pure holiday joy, and we hope that families will enjoy it for generations to come."
Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas is set for release October 1st and is available for pre-order now wherever books are sold.
Dolly Parton released a reimagined version of her friend and fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents” from the forthcoming Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, alongside a premiere of the music video on 'CBS Mornings’ as part of the show’s “What to Watch” segment. The beloved song—a Petty classic and considered by Petty to be one of the best he ever wrote—takes on new life in the world of Country music as Dolly’s beautifully intimate version arrives alongside a new video directed by Trey Fanjoy, featuring poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life.
“I was fortunate enough to get to know Tom over the years,” reflects Dolly. “He’s such an iconic artist and important songwriter. I’m so honored to be a part of this special album and to be able to share my version of one of Tom’s best songs, ‘Southern Accents’.”
“Southern Accents” comes ahead of Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, the Country tribute album lovingly curated by some of the late rocker’s closest friends and collaborators. The album is officially set to be released on June 21 (via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate) and is available to pre-order now.
Executive produced by Petty’s close confidant, GRAMMY® Award-winner George Drakoulias (Barbie, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), with Randall Poster (Killers of the Flower Moon, Skyfall, Wes Anderson) and Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group), Petty Country finds some of the most lauded voices in Country music exploring the extensive Petty catalog and putting their own personal touches on some of his greatest hits. Highlights include a handful of songs by Petty’s longtime friends and collaborators, such as George Strait, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson, Bluegrass pioneer Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Contemporary Country superstars Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens– who most recently played banjo and viola on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”— Thomas Rhett, Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson pay tribute to the late rocker with their own spin on fan favorites.
Tom Petty, albeit widely known for his rocker grit and California anthems, is often credited as Contemporary Country music’s biggest Rock influence. A Gainesville, Florida native, Petty straddled the American coasts, leaving his native Florida for his adopted home of Los Angeles, while keeping one foot firmly rooted in the south. The region’s influence can be heard throughout Petty’s discography, with lyrics about growing up in the south paired with his famous airtight melodies and rough vocal character that defines the state of Country music today.
Petty’s deep roots in Country music saw collaborations and long-lasting friendships with a number of the genre’s greatest artists, including Carl Perkins (Petty inducted Perkins into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Johnny Cash (The Heartbreakers were the backing band on Cash’s Unchained), June Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson included. Today, Country songwriters consistently reference their love and admiration for Petty, and in many ways, how Petty’s influence shaped their own sound.
Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became one of the biggest cultural icons in the world. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne; and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Hailed as one of the greatest Rock artists of all time, Petty’s list of achievements included: multi-Grammy Award winner, performing to over 140 million fans and selling over 85 million records, Super Bowl halftime performer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, but his music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.
1. “I Should’ve Known It” by Chris Stapleton
2. “Wildflowers” by Thomas Rhett
3. “Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs
4. “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
5. “Here Comes My Girl” by Justin Moore
6. “American Girl” by Dierks Bentley
7. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Lady A
8. “I Forgive It All” by Jamey Johnson
9. “I Won’t Back Down” by Brothers Osbourne
10. “Refugee” by Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
11. “Angel Dream No.2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
12. “Learning To Fly” by Eli Young Band
13. “Breakdown” by Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
14. “Yer So Bad” by Steve Earle
15. “Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell
16. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Midland
17. “Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
18. “I Need To Know” by Marty Stuart And His The Fabulous Superlatives
19. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Rhiannon Giddens feat. Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench
20. “You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait
Stream Dolly's rendition of "Southern Accents," from the forthcoming album Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, available June 21, 2024.
As spring blooms all around, Dolly dives headfirst into the season's joy, infusing it with her own special sparkle and boundless energy. With flowers blooming and the sun shining brighter, she welcomes you to join in the springtime fun and share in everything she loves about this season.
"Spring is like nature's big 'hello' after a long winter nap," Dolly says. "The flowers bloomin' and birds chirpin' make us all feel like kids again, reminding us to soak up the sunshine and spread love wherever we go."
Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off the 39th season at Dollywood on March 8, introducing some of the new entertainment offerings and giving guests a preview of what's in store for 2024, including the opening of The Dolly Parton Experience and an extra 23 operating days.
Recently named one of the South’s Best Attractions by Southern Living, Dollywood welcomes guests this spring with The I Will Always Love You Music Festival (now–April 14), featuring three new shows celebrating Dolly’s career. Her remarkable story is told in “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton,” while “Sing-a-long with Dolly” invites guests to belt out the lyrics to some of her most-loved songs. Finally, “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady” honors the “Trio” albums released by Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, welcomes families to celebrate spring at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, featuring daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition, music, dancing, and a mouthwatering four-course feast.
Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show! With locations in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, families will witness epic pirate battles and high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a delectable four-course feast.
Dolly’s childhood literacy program celebrates its 2024 Blue Ribbon Book Selections, springing forward into 2024 with a colorful selection of new books! The Imagination Library now gifts over 2.9 million books per month, totaling over 235 million books worldwide since inception!
You can now stream "Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala" on Paramount+! This CBS variety special, which aired on February 21, features musical performances of Dolly Parton's iconic songs and showcases the finest in doggy fashion.
Dolly lends her legendary talents to Zach Williams' newest single "Lookin' For You", accompanied by a brand new music video. Available now on all digital and streaming platforms!
In Good Lookin' Cookin', available Sept. 17, Dolly and her sister Rachel share tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of cherished recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more.
Dolly announces the launch of her first multi-category home collection featuring a wide array of home, kitchen and tableware products inspired by her Tennessee roots and global legacy. The collection kicks off with the launch of cast iron cookware developed in partnership with Lodge Cast Iron, available in stores and online retailers March 2024.
Available now on all digital streaming platforms, 'Rockstar Deluxe' features 39 tracks, 5 bonus tracks previously released as partner exclusives and 4 never-before-heard songs.
As the world begins to burst with new life this spring, keep an eye out for the rainbows that start to appear through the clouds. Let this amazing time of year put a big smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Together you and I can stop the rain and make the sun shine
Paint a pretty rainbow brushed with love across the sky
Together you and I belong like a songbird and a song
And we’ll always be together you and I
Love,
On the heels of announcing her cookbook Good Lookin’ Cookin’ with sister Rachel Parton George (releasing September 17th via Ten Speed Press), Dolly Parton today announced the launch of her first multi-category home collection featuring a wide array of home, kitchen and tableware products. From a Guitar-shaped mini skillet to a custom Toile print depicting Dolly’s childhood home, each item is a nod to Dolly’s legacy and her remarkable journey from her humble Tennessee beginnings to worldwide stardom.
“Home is as much a state of mind as it is a place for me,” says Dolly. “I am excited to share these new kitchenware collections inspired by my childhood memories. While we didn’t have much that money could buy growing up, spending time with family over a meal created priceless moments that have lasted me a lifetime. It is my hope that these products be a part of wonderful memories for you.”
The collection will kick off with the launch of cast iron cookware, developed in partnership with Lodge Cast Iron. Featuring a range of seasoned cast iron skillets with unique Dolly-inspired designs, the cookware line combines style and functionality for creative home cooks. The products will be available at Cracker Barrel, Walmart.com and Lodge’s ecommerce site and factory stores in March 2024.
Inspired by Dolly’s rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains, the home collection prominently features a Toile print depicting key moments from her early life including the log cabin where she lived with her eleven siblings. The collection built in partnership with Lifetime Brands includes tabletop, home decor and kitchen tools for cooking and entertaining, as well as table linens and soft kitchen textiles in collaboration with Mainstream International. The products will launch online and in retail in March 2025.
Since 2019, Dolly has developed an authentic and diverse product portfolio, spanning signature fragrances, baking lines, pet apparel and accessories, greeting cards, disposable partyware, collectables, mass market branded clothing, and more. In addition to being well-received by fans and the market, the Dolly Parton brand was also recognized as the best-licensed celebrity brand by the Licensing International Excellence Awards in 2023.
For more information on Dolly’s licensing offerings, visit https://imglicensing.com/clients/dolly-parton/.
Dolly Parton has earned her Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame stripes with her newly RIAA Gold Certified Rockstar album (Butterfly Records/Big Machine Label Group). The genre-bending 30 song collection was expanded with the release of Rockstar Deluxe featuring 39 tracks, 5 bonus tracks and 4 previously unheard songs. Rockstar has been one of Dolly's most well-received albums - accumulating six #1s on the Billboard charts during its debut week and also ranking as the #5 top-selling Country album of 2023.
“When I set out to make my rock album, I always hoped it would be embraced by my fans as well as people who may not listen to my music," states Dolly. "I am thrilled to receive this Gold record! Thank you to everyone who was a part of this project. I guess I can now officially say I am a rockstar!”
Dolly’s run of #1 albums on the Billboard charts dates to 1977, the longest span for any Country artist, marking 46 years since her first #1 album (New Harvest…First Gathering) to her most recent #1 (Rockstar).
“I am so proud of Dolly’s hard work in making an incredible album. She set the standard for us all on this project with her work ethic. I also must send appreciation to my entire team for their laser focus on this achievement,” says Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell. “We had the best partners in Scott Borchetta and the Big Machine Label Group, making this a true global effort. This is a history-making launch that none of us take for granted.”
Listen to Dolly's RIAA Gold Certified Rockstar album, available now on all digital streaming platforms!
