By Salma El-Sakka
Dolly Parton's secret memoir will be published posthumously by Grand Central Publishing following a heated bidding war that reached $13 million, according to reports. The country music icon, who died in August at age 80, had apparently been working on the book in private. It remains unclear how much she chose to disclose about her life or health struggles.
Publishing Deal Details
The manuscript was represented by literary agency Folio and attracted bids up to $12 million before Grand Central Publishing secured the rights with a $13 million offer, Page Six reported. Other sources suggested the final figure was lower but included a larger-than-usual royalty split for Parton's estate. The sum would be substantial for a music memoir though not record-setting; Britney Spears sold her memoir rights for $15 million in 2022.
Estate Appoints Niece as Brand Ambassador
Earlier this week, Parton's estate named her niece, Danielle Parton, as its new brand ambassador to continue the late singer's legacy. Danielle, daughter of Parton's younger brother Bobby Lee Parton and Doris Maxine Nolan, said in a video she would "never try and speak for Dolly" but instead remind the world of the legacy and stories "behind the global icon."
Legal Battle With Nephew Continues
The announcement comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between Parton's estate and her nephew Bryan Seaver, the son of her sister Cassie Parton and former head of security. Seaver, who announced Parton's death publicly, was fired from his security role after a series of allegations. Last month, the estate obtained a temporary restraining order against him. Longtime manager Danny Nozell filed the order on behalf of She's Alive LLC, which manages Parton's business empire, alleging Seaver's "terrorizing conduct" and a campaign of intimidation before Parton's death to extract money. Seaver denied extortion claims to TMZ but said other allegations were taken out of context. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 3.
