Dolly Parton, Gender, and Country Music [Hardcover]

Dolly Parton is instantly recognizable for her iconic style and persona, but how did she create her enduring image? Dolly crafted her exaggerated appearance and stage personality by combining two opposing stereotypesthe innocent mountain girl and the voluptuous sex symbol. Emerging through her lyrics, personal stories, stage presence, and visual imagery, these wildly different gender tropes form a central part of Dollys media image and portrayal of herself as a star and celebrity. By developing a multilayered image and persona, Dolly both critiques representations of femininity in country music and attracts a diverse fan base ranging from country and pop music fans to feminists and gay rights advocates. InDolly Parton, Gender, and Country Music, Leigh H. Edwards explores Dollys roles as musician, actor, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur to show how Dollys gender subversion highlights the challenges that can be found even in the most seemingly traditional form of American popular music. As Dolly depicts herself as simultaneously real and fake, she offers new perspectives on country musics claims of authenticity.

Winner, Foreword Book of the Year Award, Gold Medal Winner for Performing Arts and Music,Foreword ReviewsINDIES award, 2017

Leigh H. Edwards is Associate Professor of English at Florida State University. She is author ofJohnny Cash and the Paradox of American IdentityandThe Triumph of Reality TV: The Revolution in American Television.

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Dolly Mythology
1. Backwoods Barbie : Dolly Parton's Gender Performance
2.My Tennessee Mountain Home: Early Parton and Authenticity Narratives
3. Parton's Crossover and Film Stardom: The Hillbilly Mae West
4.Hungry Again: Reclaiming Country Authenticity Narratives
5. Digital Dolly and New Media Fandoms
Conclusion: Brand Evolution and Dollywood
Works Cited
Index

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