Dolly Parton To Release New Song and Third Children’s Book
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Dolly Parton may be nearing 80, but she shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest announcement proves once again that creativity and energy don’t fade with age. On December 2, she’ll release both a new children’s book and an original song—each inspired by a character that’s already won the hearts of many young readers.
The new book is titled Dolly Parton’s Billy The Kid Dances His Heart Out, the third installment in her best-selling children’s series. It continues the story of Billy the Kid, a charming French bulldog with big dreams and even bigger heart. This time, Billy is preparing to perform at Dolly’s Doggy Dance Pawty—but stage fright and a budding crush on his dance teacher, Bella, complicate things.
According to Parton, the story is more than just a cute tale. It’s about overcoming fears, building confidence, and embracing new experiences. “Creating stories that are fun, real, and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents,” she said, reflecting her trademark mix of warmth and wisdom.
A New Song and a New Story
As if a new book weren’t exciting enough, Dolly is also releasing a brand-new song to go along with it. Titled “Bella,” the track shares a name with Billy’s graceful dance instructor—and love interest—in the story. It will be released on the same day as the book, offering fans a multimedia experience.
Parton will also lend her iconic voice to the audiobook version, narrating the tale herself. This gives her storytelling an extra layer of intimacy and charm, making it especially enjoyable for kids and nostalgic parents alike. The hardcover edition and audiobook are both expected to be hot items for the holiday season.
Francesco Sedita, President and Publisher of Penguin Workshop, couldn’t hide his excitement. “There is no greater joy than working with Dolly on a book about dogs, dancing, and love,” he said. He also called the opportunity to release an original song from Dolly “a dream come true.”
The Billy the Kid Franchise Grows
Billy the Kid is fast becoming a literary star in his own right. First introduced in 2023 and inspired by Parton’s real-life god-dog, the character has already headlined two successful books. The debut, Billy the Kid Makes It Big, was a New York Times bestseller. Its follow-up, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, was praised for its warmth and charm.
The appeal of Billy’s character lies in his mix of ambition, vulnerability, and adorability. Like many of Dolly’s characters—musical or literary—he stands for something deeper than surface-level cuteness. He’s a symbol of perseverance, kindness, and good-hearted ambition, mirroring the values Parton has long embodied.
This third installment, with its added romantic twist and performance anxiety storyline, expands the emotional range of the series. It’s clear that Parton sees this not just as a book for children, but as a way to foster empathy, resilience, and self-expression through storytelling.
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More Than Just Children’s Books
Beyond her work in children’s literature, Dolly Parton has a full slate of projects rolling out. She recently announced a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum titled Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. The exhibit will open on May 20 and run through September 2026, tracing the arc of her extraordinary 60-year career.
That’s not all—Parton also has a new photography book on the way. STAR OF THE SHOW: My Life on Stage, due out November 11, offers an inside look at her career as a live performer. It follows her previous books, Songteller and Behind the Seams, focusing this time on the moments that defined her stage presence.
All of this goes to show that Dolly Parton remains one of the most prolific and versatile entertainers of our time. Whether she’s singing about love, writing about a dancing dog, or reflecting on her life in photos, her impact continues to span generations—and now, it seems, even species.
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