What Would Dolly Do? Radio: Dolly Parton’s New Apple Music Series Explored
A heartfelt journey into Dolly Parton’s style, wisdom, and generosity.
What Would Dolly Do? Radio: A New Chapter in Dolly Parton’s Legacy
Dolly Parton, the world-renowned country icon and philanthropist, is launching an exciting new radio series, What Would Dolly Do?, exclusively on Apple Music 1. Beginning October 25, fans everywhere can tune in weekly on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. EST to join Dolly and her co-host, Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen, for an intimate exploration of the many facets of Dolly’s extraordinary life and career.
Introducing the Series
The cleverly titled What Would Dolly Do? plays on the popular “What Would Jesus Do?” mantra, recast as a personal philosophy that encapsulates Dolly’s unique approach to life and artistry. This four-part series, tailored for both long-standing and new fans, features exclusive interviews, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights—celebrating Dolly’s journey from small-town beginnings to international stardom.
- Format: Weekly episodes premiered live on Apple Music 1, available on-demand via Apple Podcasts for subscribers.
- Hosts: Dolly Parton and Kelleigh Bannen
- Focus: Life milestones, career wisdom, philanthropy, and the release of Dolly’s first rock album, Rockstar.
Episode Guide: Topics and Highlights
Each episode delves into a distinct aspect of Dolly’s vibrant story, touching on her evolution as an artist, her impact on the entertainment industry, and her enduring legacy.
Episode 1: Behind the Seams & The Iconic Dolly Look
The inaugural episode, titled Behind The Seams, turns the spotlight onto Dolly’s mesmerizing personal style and the upcoming companion book, Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones. The conversation covers her unique fashion sense, embracing culture-defining glamor, and the confidence to remain authentic in the face of criticism.
- Key Themes:
- The genesis of Dolly’s signature look: big blonde hair, rhinestones, and bold outfits
- Stories behind her most memorable costumes and stage gear
- Dolly’s philosophy about self-expression and ignoring the naysayers
- Excerpts from upcoming book, highlighting fashion moments from her career
- Favorite Quote: When asked if she’d ever tone down her style, Dolly quips, “Go to hell, I ain’t doing it,” underscoring her lifelong commitment to authenticity.
Episode 2: Show Business – The Heart of a Performer
The second installment dives deep into the business of show business and the intricacies of Dolly’s stardom—spanning her evolution from country singer to international icon, and her work in both music and acting.
- Key Discussions:
- Dolly’s transition from local performer to global phenomenon
- Navigating industry obstacles and gender biases in entertainment
- Building a brand beyond music: acting roles and entertainment ventures
- Her approach to business decisions, challenges, and creative choices
- Collaboration: Dolly recounts lessons learned from working with other celebrated artists, illustrating the importance of teamwork and persistence
Episode 3: Philanthropy & Giving Back
The third chapter centers on Dolly’s generous spirit and her commitment to philanthropy. It highlights her many charitable initiatives—most notably the Imagination Library, a literacy program that has distributed millions of free books to children worldwide.
- Major Topics:
- The genesis of Dolly’s philanthropic efforts
- Impact of the Imagination Library and the scope of her literacy work
- Other charitable projects, including disaster relief and support for healthcare
- Her motivations for giving back and why generosity is central to her life philosophy
- Dolly’s hope to inspire others to create meaningful change in their communities
- Inspirational Message: Dolly stresses, “I do hope more than anything that I’ve been an inspiration…that I can leave something behind that might make some difference.”
What others are reading
Episode 4: Rockstar – Dolly’s Rock Revolution
The grand finale explores the creation and release of Dolly’s highly anticipated rock album, Rockstar, set to drop November 17. This episode offers rare insights into Dolly’s creative journey, the making of the album, and the excitement around collaborating with iconic musicians from various genres.
- Album Features:
- Crossover from country to rock and classic covers
- Original tracks inspired by legendary rock artists
- Special guest collaborations: Paul McCartney, Pnk, Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sheryl Crow, and many more
- Dolly’s thoughts on music evolution and breaking new ground at age 77
Listening Guide: How & Where to Tune In
What Would Dolly Do? is designed to be accessible for all fans, offering multiple avenues to listen:
- Live on Apple Music 1 every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CT)
- On-demand for Apple Music or Apple Podcasts subscribers, with automatic notifications for new episodes
- Global live-streaming makes the show available to listeners around the world
A Brief Timeline: Dolly Parton’s Collaborations with Apple Music
| Year | Project | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | WWDD Playlist | Dolly curated the official “What Would Dolly Do?” Apple Music playlist |
| 2019 | Dolly Parton’s America Podcast | Featured on Radiolab and Apple Podcasts exploring Dolly’s cultural impact |
| 2023 | What Would Dolly Do? Radio | Four-part Apple Music 1 radio series deep-diving into Dolly’s life and artistry |
| 2023 | Rockstar Album | Release of Dolly’s first rock-oriented album on Apple Music |
| 2023 | Behind The Seams Book | New memoir documenting Dolly’s iconic fashion legacy, available on Apple Books |
Dolly’s Wisdom: Inspiration & Empowerment
One of the guiding principles of What Would Dolly Do? is Dolly’s consistent message of staying true to oneself, believing in one’s talent, and persevering through adversity.
- Dolly encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity: “You got to have belief in yourself and you’ve got to have belief in your talent.”
- The series hopes to inspire fans to pursue their dreams unapologetically and to give back whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is ‘What Would Dolly Do? Radio’?
A: It’s a four-part Apple Music radio series hosted by Dolly Parton and Kelleigh Bannen, offering stories, songs, and wisdom from Dolly’s life, career, and new rock album. - Q: How can I listen to the series?
A: Tune in live on Apple Music 1 Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. EST, or listen on-demand with an Apple Music or Podcasts subscription. - Q: What topics does each episode cover?
A: Episode 1 focuses on Dolly’s style and legacy; Episode 2 tackles show business; Episode 3 examines her philanthropy; Episode 4 highlights her ‘Rockstar’ album. - Q: Is Dolly Parton releasing new music?
A: Yes, her first rock album, ‘Rockstar,’ releases on November 17, 2023, featuring several classic rock covers and original tracks with legendary collaborators. - Q: Will there be additional WWDD content after the radio series?
A: Dolly continues her creative output with a new book, ongoing music releases, and special collaborations. Stay tuned to Apple Music and official channels for updates.
SEO-Optimized Summary Table: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Name | What Would Dolly Do? Radio |
| Platform | Apple Music 1; Apple Podcasts |
| Premiere Date | October 25, 2023 |
| Episode Count | 4 weekly episodes |
| Core Topics | Style, Legacy, Show Business, Philanthropy, Rock Album |
| Host | Dolly Parton, Kelleigh Bannen |
| New Album | Rockstar (Nov. 17, 2023) |
| Book Release | Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones (Oct. 17, 2023) |
| Special Guests | Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Pnk, Emmylou Harris |
The Lasting Impact: Why WWDD Resonates Today
Dolly Parton’s magnetic personality and resilience have long inspired millions. The radio series What Would Dolly Do? is more than entertainment—it’s a source of wisdom for anyone seeking courage, kindness, and creative spark. By candidly sharing her failures as well as her triumphs, Dolly Parton continues to model humility alongside greatness.
- Community Spotlight: Dolly’s influence extends far beyond music, touching lives through charitable acts, empowering others through advocacy, and supporting education around the world.
- Embrace Your Story: Listeners are encouraged to learn from Dolly’s journey: to value authenticity, to persevere through adversity, and to give generously from the heart.
How ‘What Would Dolly Do?’ Inspires Other Creative Projects
The popularity of the WWDD catchphrase has led to playlists, podcasts, and now a dedicated radio series. Fans and creators alike have found new hope and motivation to ask themselves what Dolly would do in moments of self-doubt or ambition.
- WWDD has become a mantra for positivity, resilience, and kindness.
- The radio series offers actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement for all ages.
- Whether through music or mentorship, Dolly’s philosophy radiates: “If she did it, anyone can.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I watch or listen to the full WWDD series?
A: All episodes premiere live on Apple Music 1 and are accessible for on-demand streaming via Apple Podcasts for subscribers.
Q: What makes each episode unique?
A: Each episode explores a different theme: Dolly’s style, industry wisdom, philanthropy, and musical innovation—featuring fresh stories and celebrity collaborators.
Q: Can I read more about Dolly’s style?
A: Yes, Dolly’s new book, ‘Behind The Seams,’ releases October 17 and details her iconic fashion legacy with personal stories.
Join the Conversation: What Would Dolly Do?
The radio series is more than nostalgia—it’s a living masterclass in authenticity, compassion, and fearless creativity. As Dolly herself says, “I hope I can leave something behind that might make some difference.” Tune in for each episode to witness the enduring wisdom and infectious joy that only Dolly Parton can bring.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/life/a45509304/dolly-parton-radio-series-what-would-dolly-do/
- https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/10/11/dolly-parton-apple-music-what-would-dolly-do-livestream-podcast/71143654007/
- https://musicrow.com/2023/10/dolly-parton-to-launch-radio-show-on-apple-music-1/
- https://holler.country/news/breaking/dolly-parton-to-co-host-new-apple-music-radio-show-what-would-dolly-do/
- https://music.apple.com/us/curator/what-would-dolly-do-radio/1702073377
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-would-dolly-do-radio/id1712930684
- https://entertainment-focus.com/2023/10/26/watch-or-read-what-would-dolly-do-radio-episode-1-with-dolly-parton/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cxV5_Wc5rk
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