Dolly Parton to Release Children's Book About Her God-Dog Billy the Kid: 'He's a Big Star'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Penguin Young Readers

Dolly Partoncan’t wait to introduce her god-dog Billy the Kid to young readers.

The music icon, 76, will release her third children’s book,Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big, on April 25, 2023, PEOPLE can exclusively announce.

When Billy the Kid runs into bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, he must call on his favorite songs and help from new friends to regain his self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.

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Penguin Young Readers

“I am so proud to bring this book and the message it conveys to life,” Parton tells PEOPLE in a statement. “Years back I wrote a song ‘Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny' for my children’s albumI Believe In You. I wanted kids to understand how harmful bullying can be to someone.”

“When I launched the Doggy Parton line of pet products earlier this year, my god-dog Billy got to be the star of the show. Since he’s a big star now, I knew a story with him at the center could help drive home important messages in a unique way,” she adds. “I hope this is the first of many books with Billy.”

Parton’s new release follows her two other children’s books,Coat of Many Colorsin 1994 andI Am a Rainbowin 2009.

source: people.com