Dolly Parton Had A Vision Of Superstardom Beyond Nashville: Interview with Alanna Nash, Let It Roll Season 9, Episode 9

Author Alanna Nash joins host Nate Wilcox to talk about her book "Dolly: The Biography," one of the first critical biographies ever written about a country superstar — and what Nashville made of it. Nate and Alanna discuss Dolly Parton's humble origins and her almost supernatural drive; the evening at her first house outside Nashville that produced both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in a single writing session; what it actually took to get out from under Porter Wagoner, who had her tied to his publishing company every way a person can be tied; the phone call Chet Atkins made to Nash, out of the blue, to correct one line in her book; why Nashville spent years convinced her husband Carl Dean did not exist; how she got to every joke about herself before anybody else could; and the time capsule at her Tennessee resort holding a song nobody will hear until she turns 100. Alanna Nash has interviewed Dolly Parton across four decades. She is also the author of "The Colonel," the definitive book on Tom Parker, and a longtime friend of this show. Let It Roll is a history of commercial music from the Renaissance forward, with a focus on the long American century. Listen to the incredible original series of 350+ hour-long interviews with the authors who wrote the books at letitrollpodcast.substack.com — organized by mini-series, genre, era, co-host and guest. Have a question or a suggestion for a topic or person for Nate to interview? Email [email protected] Let It Roll is proud to be part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices