Dolly Parton is undoubtedly one of country music’s biggest legends, and aside from her hit songs spanning the decades (plus her generous donations and philanthropic work, her recent novel co-authored with bestseller James Patterson, her upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other accomplishments), Parton is known for her iconic moments in fashion.
The award-winning “9 To 5” star has reflected on some of her stunning looks over the years on her social media channels, “all dolled up” in dazzling dresses and big hairdos (because she knows that, “when it comes to music or hair, crank up the volume!”). Parton, 76, even shared a few notable onscreen moments on Instagram in recent weeks, including showing off her “secret talent” with Patti LaBelle, singing on Johnny Carson’s show, a performance of her iconic 1970s hit “I Will Always Love You,” and more. Parton has encouraged others to “be your own kind of beautiful,” while sharing her own beautiful looks along the way.
She solidified her place in country music history as she created a path of her own. Her goddaughter, pop artist Miley Cyrus, once said in an interview: “I think Dolly is the most loved person on the planet, right? …She didn’t look like the standard female country music artist that was polite and wearing long dresses. She had big hair and big boobs and she’s left this big mark on the entire world that all of us are just trying to fill her crystalized shoes, which is never going to happen.”
See some of Parton's best looks throughout her career here: