Dolly Parton Breaks Down 11 Iconic Looks From 1975 to Now — A Journey Through Glitter, Grit, and Glamour
Nashville, Tennessee — Few artists have shaped both music and fashion the way Dolly Parton has. From her rhinestone-studded stage gowns of the 1970s to the sleek, shimmering looks she wears today, Dolly’s style has always told a story — one of confidence, creativity, and staying true to yourself no matter what the world thinks. In a new feature celebrating her legendary career, the country icon walks fans through 11 unforgettable looks spanning nearly five decades of show-stopping fashion and heartfelt self-expression.
“Every outfit I’ve ever worn has a little piece of my heart in it,” Dolly laughs. “And a whole lot of hairspray!”
1. 1975 – The Sequin Cowgirl
In the mid-’70s, Dolly burst onto national television wearing bold, sparkling Western gowns designed by her longtime stylist Lucy Adams. “Back then, country girls didn’t get much glitter,” she recalls. “But I thought — why not bring a little shine to the honky-tonk?”
2. 1977 – The ‘Jolene’ Era
During her rise to superstardom, Dolly paired fiery red hair with delicate lace and fringe jackets. “That was my ‘heartbreaker’ phase,” she says. “I wanted to look like the kind of woman Jolene might envy.”
3. 1980 – 9 to 5 Power Suit
Trading rhinestones for a business look, Dolly embodied empowerment in tailored blazers and big curls. “That movie changed my life,” she reflects. “I learned a woman could be funny, smart, and fabulous — all at once.”
4. 1983 – The Vegas Showstopper
Dolly’s stage shows at the time featured bejeweled corsets and dramatic feather trims. “I’ve always said, it takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” she jokes. “But really, that was my way of celebrating joy — the bigger, the better!”
5. 1987 – Denim and Diamonds
During her Trio years with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, Dolly leaned into soft denim, country florals, and casual rhinestone accents. “It was about sisterhood and realness,” she explains. “We didn’t need costumes to shine.”
6. 1992 – Hollywood Glam
With Straight Talk and a series of red carpet appearances, Dolly embraced sleek gowns and Old Hollywood curls. “I felt like Marilyn Monroe if she’d grown up in the Smoky Mountains,” she laughs.
7. 1999 – Millennium Sparkle
As the world turned to a new century, Dolly mixed country tradition with pop flair — metallic bodysuits, sparkling boots, and plenty of attitude. “You can’t be afraid to evolve,” she says. “As long as you stay you, the sparkle still fits.”
8. 2005 – Back to Bluegrass
In her Backwoods Barbie era, Dolly honored her Appalachian roots with floral prints, puff sleeves, and pastel fabrics. “That’s the real me,” she says. “Country, sweet, and a little over the top.”
9. 2014 – The Global Superstar
Performing at Glastonbury, Dolly stunned in a white crystal-studded jumpsuit. “All those rock fans singing along to Jolene — honey, that was heaven!”
10. 2020 – The Philanthropic Icon
As Dolly donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research, she appeared in sleek monochrome looks with modern tailoring. “At this age, I like a little less frill, a little more meaning,” she says.
11. 2024 – The Rock & Roll Queen
When she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly debuted her edgy black leather look — still sparkling, still herself. “I figured if I was gonna rock, I’d rock in rhinestones,” she says with a wink.
Throughout each era, Dolly’s fashion has mirrored her music — bold, honest, and deeply personal. Whether in sequins or denim, high heels or cowboy boots, her message remains the same: be yourself, love yourself, and never apologize for shining.
“I’ve always believed you should wear your personality,” Dolly reflects. “Mine just happens to come with a whole lot of glitter.”