Her official title in her business empire is “Dreamer in Chief,” and that’s appropriate for the ambitious aspirations of Dolly Parton. Let’s start, where she did — with her music. The superstar’s latest metamorphosis is Rockstar, a 30-song opus that takes aim at the rock-music marketplace. Inspired by her 2022 unexpected election to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it finds her tackling rock classics as well as showcasing her own songwriting for the genre. Dolly has previously devoted herself to such diverse styles as gospel, bluegrass, disco, children’s music, pop, folk, musical theater, and rockabilly.
Rockstar, which comes out in November, is her 49th studio album and merely the latest in a long string of career dreams. This child of Appalachian poverty dreamed of becoming a country queen and a pop-music hitmaker. She dreamed of being a movie star, a tourism mogul, an author, a philanthropist, and a Broadway success.
“They say a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Well, I say a dream is a terrible thing to waste,” Dolly declares. “And I’ve always been a big dreamer. I was born a dreamer.”
During the past five years, Dolly Parton has extended her brand to encompass everything from perfume to pet products. She already has her own movie company, song-publishing business, soundstage, hotel, museum, and record label.
“Big business is not as scary as it seems,” remarks the platinum powerhouse. “I find my common sense and the fact that I was born and raised in the country are the greatest gifts that I possess. Just havin’
