Ain't nobody's fool The life and times of Dolly Parton

Journalist Ackmann (These Fevered Days) traces the life of country music great Dolly Parton in this illuminating biography. Born in a log cabin in poverty-stricken East Tennessee in 1946, Parton expressed her musical interest early on, tapping out beats to her mother while snapping green beans and singing "to an audience of barnyard animals." She began performing on TV and the radio in high school, but her breakthrough came after she moved to Nashville and landed a gig on The Porter Wagoner Show, where she performed until 1974. Ackmann spotlights the relentless "drive and determination" that propelled Parton to fame, and delves into such formative career decisions as holding on to the rights to "I Will Always Love You" when Elvis Presley asked to record a cover, earning her millions of dollars in royalties. Ackmann also details Parton's personal and professional setbacks, and chronicles her later-in-life efforts to remain relevant in an industry that glorifies "new artists at the expense of veterans." The biography's strength lies in its studious attention to how Parton's childhood shaped her career, as evidenced in both her songs ("Coat of Many Colors" references Parton's being bullied over a patchwork jacket made by her mother) and her philanthropic efforts (Imagination Library, a literary-focused philanthropy, is "a testament to her father's lifelong struggle with illiteracy"). The result is a well-rounded portrait of Parton that's firmly grounded in her Smoky Mountain roots. (Dec.)

Ackmann (These Fevered Days) offers a superbly written biography of country singer Dolly Parton. From the Tennessee Smoky Mountains to Hollywood, Parton's humble heritage is sewn into the fabric of her remarkable career. Ackmann's compelling account of Parton's journey highlights how she transcends political and generational divides, all while maintaining broad appeal as a feminist icon, working-class role model, and mainstream celebrity. Rather than settling for a surface-level celebration of Parton's catchy songs and rhinestones, Ackmann delves into the complexities that have shaped her career. She examines Parton's Appalachian roots, her business savvy, and her ability to navigate the contradictions of gender, class, and fame with her signature wit and grace. Whether she's outsmarting Nashville executives, building her own theme park, or funding childhood literacy, Parton has always been steps ahead of everyone's expectations. Parton emerges as a case study in the intersections of celebrity, philanthropy, and identity politics. Ackmann illustrates how the artist's cultural significance extends far beyond music, providing not only an engaging account of Parton's life but also an essential framework for understanding the power of performance and persona in shaping American culture. VERDICT This smart, sparkly, and fun biography is as irresistible as Parton herself.--Claire Sewell