Have you ever wondered what makes someone truly extraordinary?
Is it talent?
Hard work?
A big dream?
Or is it something even deeper?
Long before Dolly Parton became one of the most beloved entertainers in the
world, she was a little girl growing up in a tiny one-room cabin nestled in the
beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Her family didn't have much money,
but their home was rich with faith, love, music, laughter, and hard work. Those
gifts would shape the rest of her life.
Growing up in Tennessee, it's almost impossible not to know who Dolly Parton
is. Her songs have fi lled radios for generations. Millions of families have visited
Dollywood. Through her Imagination Library, millions of children have received
free books that have opened the door to a lifetime of reading.
Like many Tennesseans, our family has always admired Dolly. Although she
traveled the world and achieved extraordinary success, she never forgot where
she came from. Her love for her family, her faith, and her Tennessee roots
remained at the heart of everything she did.
But this book isn't just about Dolly.
It's about you.
As you read these pages, you'll discover seven character qualities that helped
shape Dolly's remarkable life: Ambition, Authenticity, Vision, Humor,
Kindness, Loyalty, and Generosity.
As you learn about Dolly's journey, think about your own.