Dolly Parton’s ‘Words and Music’ Examined in New Book

The creative output of global superstar Dolly Parton has received critical accolades and worldwide acclaim for the past five decades. Now a closer look is being taken at 'The Words and Music of Dolly Parton,' in the form of a new book by that title. Out today (July 29) as part of the Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection, which has previously issued books spotlighting the works of Prince, Paul Simon and John Lennon, among several others, the Dolly book is subtitled 'Getting to Know Country's "Iron Butterfly."'

Written by Nancy Cardwell, an award-winning Nashville-based journalist, musician and songwriter who also manages professional development, leadership and youth programs for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), 'Words and Music' not only provides biographical information about the Country Music Hall of Famer, it also delves deeply into the tracks on each of the many albums released throughout Dolly's illustrious career and includes numerous quotes from fellow artists, authors and Dolly herself.

Citing Dolly's gift for brilliantly illuminating the human condition, Cardwell writes in the book's introduction: "From her perspective as a woman, we see every shade of emotion experienced in every imaginable predicament a girl can find herself in. Men who want to understand women better (as well as the human heart) would do well to study the lyrics of Dolly Parton. It's all there."

The book also compiles an exhaustive list of Dolly's awards and honors -- not just those for her music but also for her other entertainment and philanthropic efforts -- and includes an informative discography of her dozens of albums. A percentage of proceeds from the book will go to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and also to the Bluegrass Foundation's Bluegrass in the Schools program.

Check out The Boot's exclusive interview with Dolly about her latest CD, 'Better Day,' here.