Five Great Reads: Building cities from wood, ancient rock art and Dolly Parton’s legacy

The Guardian’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Jacqui Housden Get this in your inbox every weekend. Sign up for Five Great Reads here Hello and welcome to this week’s Five Great Reads. Settle into your weekend with some truly inspirational stories – from the incredible life of Dolly Parton, to a vision for greener cities, and life-affirming reflections on grief. Plus, a little bit of gossip. As the tributes to Dolly Parton flowed in, so did the quotations. From her wisdom: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life,” to her best interviews, to her sharp wit. The country star will be remembered for her lyrics, her philanthropy, and for pioneering a new vision of femininity. Notable quote: “People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.” ‘I’m not a fashion icon, I’m an eyesore’: Parton often said she modelled her look on a woman others called the “town tramp” but who held a glamorous appeal for her. She never failed to poke fun at her own appearance. Her hair was a “fire hazard”, she would say, or “I’m not a fashion icon; I’m an eyesore” – b

Aug 28, 2026 → Aug 28, 2026