BUST gives Dolly on Dolly a five-star review, saying, "Of course, 50 years' worth of quotes from anyone would show disparities, which makes her as relatable as she is special (another contradiction), and it's the paradoxes of Parton that make this read so intriguing."
Library Journal says, "This polished tribute will be candy for Parton fans, while readers with a casual interest in pop culture will find it highly browsable and full of good humor."