If the LGBTQ community were in charge of handing out Sainthoods, one of the very first recipients would be Ms. Dolly Parton singer-songwriter, actress, activist,  philanthropist, and businesswoman and the undisputed Queen of Country Music.

Next up Dolly is readying her next children’s book with a very special main character. Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big will feature her God-dog, Billy the Kid. It is set to hit store shelves next spring.

The book follows the French bulldog as he pursues his dreams of being a country music sensation in Nashville. The only hiccup in his plan is a group of bullies he comes across while competing in the Battle of the Bow-wows.

Fans of Parton will also be delighted to learn Billy’s favorite songs are “Jowlene”  “I Will Pawlways Love You.” The “9 to 5″ singer wrote the book with Erica S. Perl, and MacKenzie Haley provided illustrations.

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

Dolly's new book will be published by Penguin Workshop and is intended for children ages 4 to 7. Billy the Kid Makes it Big is due out April 25, 2023.

P.S. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails children a free book each month from birth until they are 5 years old. These high-quality books are chosen by experts in publishing and education and are based on the child’s age. There are no eligibility requirements for Dolly Parton’s book club; any child can join.