Photo: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton will soon be able to add an exciting new accomplishment to her extensive resume—published author!
On Wednesday (August 11), Parton announced she's teaming up with bestselling author James Patterson for her first novel, titled Run, Rose, Run, which will be published next year. The novel takes inspiration from Parton's own experiences as a young woman in the music industry...with a fictional twist, of course.
"The source of [Rose's] heart-wrenching songs is a brutal secret she has done everything to hide," a press release for the novel teases. "But the past she has fled is reaching out to control her future—even if it means destroying everything she has worked for."
Parton shared the news on Instagram, as well. In addition to co-authoring the book, Parton will release a new album inspired by Run, Rose, Run. "I cannot be more excited about the release of my very first novel," she wrote alongside a photo with Patterson. "I also have a new CD to go along with the book, based on its characters and situations. I hope you enjoy the book and the songs as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together."
Parton's love of books and reading is no secret. The country music superstar launched Imagination Library back in 1995. For those who haven't heard about Imagination Library, it's a book gifting program led by Parton that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Parton's passion for books was clear when she celebrated Book Lover's Day on Monday (August 9) ahead of her announcement. Looking back on the message, fans will see that Parton was also coyly teasing Run, Rose, Run. "The seeds of dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world. I dream of writing my own novel one day," she wrote, adding a winking emoji.
It should come as no surprise to fans that Parton is still trying new things in her decades-long career. The '9 to 5' singer recently dropped her first signature fragrance Scent From Above. While promoting the perfume, Parton said she has no plans to slow down anytime soon. "I love to get up and work," she told People. "I think all things are possible. In fact, I just hope I live long enough to do more things. That's the only thing that worries me, that I may run out of time before I see so many of my dreams come true because I wake up with new dreams all the time."
Run, Rose, Run, will be published by Little, Brown and Company on March 7, 2022.