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Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones
A beautiful celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic sense of style through entertaining personal stories and 450 full-color photographs, including exclusive images from her private costume archive
In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.
Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.
In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.
Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
About the author
Dolly Parton
102 books1,357 followersDolly Rebecca Parton is a Grammy Award-winning country music singer/songwriter, author, actress and philanthropist. To date, she remains one of the most successful country artists, with 25 number-one singles (a record for a female performer) and 42 top-10 country albums (more than anyone else).
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense, and her voluptuous figure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
November 17, 2023
At one point Dolly says that her pants are so tight that if she farts her wig will fly off, so, five stars.
October 25, 2023
It was a pleasure to listen to Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton and others. There is an autobiography. Here, the listener could also hear her songs. It is written with the help of other people who have worked with Dolly, and they also comment on their time with Dolly while working with her.
October 17, 2023
I received an ALC copy of this book from the publisher.
Honestly I would read a book about paint drying if Dolly wrote it, angel queen book goddess. I never would have guessed i would read a book about rhinestones.
If you are a Dolly fan, read it. If you aren’t, what’s wrong with you.
Honestly I would read a book about paint drying if Dolly wrote it, angel queen book goddess. I never would have guessed i would read a book about rhinestones.
If you are a Dolly fan, read it. If you aren’t, what’s wrong with you.
October 12, 2023
Every little taste I get of Dolly makes me love her more and this is no exception! I listened to the audiobook and between the snippets of songs, the praise from many people she has worked with, and her sweet and hilarious stories, it was love.
September 6, 2023
5 million rhinestoned stars ✨
November 2, 2023
I like Dolly Parton. I am not a country music fan but I have always admired her.
This was not a traditional memoir. She was asked questions about her clothes, hair, makeup, etc., and she answered them throughout this book. Other people in her life also chimed in on the same questions. I liked the way she stayed true to who she was, as well as who she wanted to be. She didn't compromise on anything that didn't feel right to her. And in her bright light she has succeeded while being steadfast in her own journey.
She was sweet and personable. I enjoyed listening to the audio. So 4 stars.
This was not a traditional memoir. She was asked questions about her clothes, hair, makeup, etc., and she answered them throughout this book. Other people in her life also chimed in on the same questions. I liked the way she stayed true to who she was, as well as who she wanted to be. She didn't compromise on anything that didn't feel right to her. And in her bright light she has succeeded while being steadfast in her own journey.
She was sweet and personable. I enjoyed listening to the audio. So 4 stars.
October 11, 2023
Does it get any better than Dolly Parton? She seems like one of the few genuine celebrities who uses her power for good and has foregone billionaire status to donate and create many charities and foundations instead, from the Imagination Library to environmental work.
Behind the Seams focuses on Parton’s unique and influential fashion and the many people who contributed to her look, but it’s also about her life, music, and small beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The audiobook was a joy, and with its interview format it feels like listening to a friendly conversation rather than a memoir. The accompanying pdf document is quite generous at over 100 pages complete with full color photographs and notes about her fashion through the years.
Highly recommend this to Dolly Parton fans, readers who love fashion, and anyone curious about the icon herself.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.
Behind the Seams focuses on Parton’s unique and influential fashion and the many people who contributed to her look, but it’s also about her life, music, and small beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The audiobook was a joy, and with its interview format it feels like listening to a friendly conversation rather than a memoir. The accompanying pdf document is quite generous at over 100 pages complete with full color photographs and notes about her fashion through the years.
Highly recommend this to Dolly Parton fans, readers who love fashion, and anyone curious about the icon herself.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.
October 23, 2023
This is an incredible book. The photographs are astounding, capturing incredible details. I love Dolly and I love fancy clothes; this book was a perfect weekend read.
October 24, 2023
A sweet collection and peek into Dolly Parton's closet. This book is a must have. The pictures are gorgeous and it's fun going back to see how her look has changed throughout the years.
November 27, 2023
This book is beautiful. It's also lovely on audio because I just love Dolly's voice talking to me, telling her stories.
It includes interviews with her makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers and makers, and Dolly herself reminiscing about her style as it's progressed over the years. She talks about her favorite iconic outfits and gives credit to the creative people she's worked with who have understood her vision to be that Backwoods Barbie we all know and love. My favorite parts were the details about her hair, her choice to start using wigs, and her stylists' behind the scenes on wig styling and care. Dolly has at least 17 wigs to choose from for each of her appearances, each styled for that one appearance and taking 3 to 6 hours each to prepare for her.
To me, Dolly's voice is like Home. She is tender and fierce, soft and strong. She uses all that money she has to spread love to everyone she can. I adore her, and this book was a delight, as is everything she touches.
It includes interviews with her makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers and makers, and Dolly herself reminiscing about her style as it's progressed over the years. She talks about her favorite iconic outfits and gives credit to the creative people she's worked with who have understood her vision to be that Backwoods Barbie we all know and love. My favorite parts were the details about her hair, her choice to start using wigs, and her stylists' behind the scenes on wig styling and care. Dolly has at least 17 wigs to choose from for each of her appearances, each styled for that one appearance and taking 3 to 6 hours each to prepare for her.
To me, Dolly's voice is like Home. She is tender and fierce, soft and strong. She uses all that money she has to spread love to everyone she can. I adore her, and this book was a delight, as is everything she touches.
November 20, 2023
I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton’s even though I don’t really care for her music so I decided to give BEHIND THE SEAMS a listen. Most of the book is an interview with Dolly with questions centered around outfits she wore at different times. There are also a few highlights from some of the clothing designers she’s worked with through the years. I enjoyed listening to this book - it gave me a feel for the woman as well as the entertainer - because I felt hearing Dolly’s voice added enhanced the interview. I’d like to flip through a copy of the print version since it’s filled with photographs. This is the perfect book for Dolly fans!
December 5, 2023
Not too much to rate in regards with writing, because it wasn't a full length book but rather a history of photographs of past outfits, but I absolutely loved getting to learn some of the "behind the seams" of all of Dolly's famous and personal favorite outfits! This book was extremely well put together from start to finish and had the cutest cover and chapter pages I've ever seen! You can really tell how much time and effort was put into this creating this book and I would absolutely love to read more like it!
November 5, 2023
I love Dolly so much 😭😭😭😭😩
December 12, 2023
A good book, but not which I expected...
November 13, 2023
To thine oneself be true, could aptly sum up this excellent audiobook celebrating Dolly Parton's iconic and timeless style. Narrated by the icon herself, Behind the Seams takes readers on a journey through Dolly's early style, makeup, fashion, wigs, and more. Interspersed throughout the interviews are song clips and interviews with some of the designers and stylists who have helped showcase Dolly’s unique and unforgettable vision. From the Country Music Awards, The Porter Wagoner Show, album covers, Studio 54, and The Playboy cover – each outfit has a story to tell. Dolly Parton’s style has evolved over the years, but has always been flashy, busty, unique, and glitzy; just like the legend herself. Part memoir, part fashion manifesto, part archive; Behind the Seams is filled with humor, confidence, candor. This audiobook deserves all the rhinestone stars it can get.
November 30, 2023
This coffee table style book - an in-depth look at some of Dolly’s most iconic looks - was surprisingly excellent on audio. It was essentially a long-form interview with Dolly herself, and who doesn’t love hearing her speak?? She’s so smart and funny. This was just delightful! I’m hoping to get the physical copy for Christmas. She’s gonna need to publish an update to include that Cowboys Cheerleader uniform!
October 18, 2023
This was SO lovely!!! A wonderful book for Dolly fans and a must-read for anyone who enjoys beautiful sparkly outfits. It's not a secret that I love Dolly so obviously I knew I would love this, but it was truly such a delight!! Dolly's style is one of the most iconic things about her and it was such a joy to go through a visual history of her fashions. The photos are so gorgeous and it was so much fun to read about how her style has evolved through the years, plus learn about her incredibly talented team members who put all of it together. Dolly's personality shines through in the writing too, and I was smiling so much as I was reading. Genuinely heartwarming and delightful. It made me want to go to Dollywood so bad and by god I will make it there in 2024, I'm putting it out in the universe now!
November 25, 2023
I admire Dolly so much; she's so honest and has the biggest heart. I enjoyed looking at her beautiful dresses....she does love rhinestones! Because it's Dolly this book gets 5 stars.
November 10, 2023
This was such a good audio book listening to Dolly answer questions and just being Dolly.
November 9, 2023
The audio version of this was outstanding, but you really can't appreciate this without the beautiful photos in the hardcopy. In this instance I recommend reading both
October 30, 2023
A fabulous, glamorous and fun look at Dolly Parton's clothes, wigs, shoes and career. A must for any fan, full of great photos and an alternative way of looking at how her life in music has progressed over the years. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to read and review.
October 29, 2023
From reading others' reviews, I might have gotten more out of this if I listened to the audio version though then I would have missed out on the incredible photos within the book. I added this to my Goodreads list without realizing that the content is mainly about Dolly's style and designers rather than about her, the person... so that's how I came to the rating. Beautiful photos but I was not super interested in the stories behind the clothes though it's clear that she has incredible respect for her team, hair and makeup staff, and designers.
November 23, 2023
"I'll be this way when I'm eighty, like Mae West. I may be on crutches, in a wheelchair, or propped up on some old slant board, but I'll have on my high heels, my nails and makeup on, my hair'll be all pouffed up, and my boobs will still be hangin' out." -Dolly
I ❤️ you Dolly! This book is an amazing look into Dolly, her closet, and all the people who make her look pretty!😍
I ❤️ you Dolly! This book is an amazing look into Dolly, her closet, and all the people who make her look pretty!😍
November 26, 2023
After reading Behind the Seams: My Life in the Rhinestones, my admiration for Dolly Parton deepened. Her story shows the reader her perseverance and courage, as well as her genuine passion for the music business. Not only did this book give me a deeper understanding of her music and accomplishments, but it also provided an inspiring story about pursuing dreams and breaking with tradition!
December 10, 2023
Dolly Parton is just the cutest!
This book was like a podcast or something! Lots of sweet moments and conversations! I just love her so much. 💖
This book was like a podcast or something! Lots of sweet moments and conversations! I just love her so much. 💖
October 29, 2023
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren (Contributor), Rebecca Seaver (Contributor) was an absolute DELIGHT. I loved listening to Dolly and hearing bits of her music interspersed with conversations about her clothes. She is a treasure and an inspiration, and I highly recommend this lovely little book. 5 shiny rhinestones for sure.
November 27, 2023
While I love listening to Dolly talk about her style, I feel like this book needs to be both seen AND heard. I unfortunately didn't have the physical photos to see what she was referring to which knocked off 2 stars.
November 29, 2023
I loved the audiobook! This is just a fun book to listen to and to hear Dolly tell her stories. Now I need to check out the hard copy to see the clothes 😊. Definitely worth the 4 hour listen.
November 29, 2023
If you love clothes and you love dolly you will love this book!If you don’t love dolly this might make you like her! And listen to it!
November 29, 2023
I think it was so great to hear these stories right from Dolly but be sure and pickup the physical book to see all the amazing photos!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews