DOLLY PARTON
BY ARIELLE TEPPERT PHOTOS BY MORGAN CLARK
Dolly Parton is not only known for her impressive country songs but for her show-stopping style. Over the years, she has built her style around bleach-blonde wigs, tight clothes, rhinestones, and high heels. Parton was born into a low-income family in Pittman Center, Tennessee, but that didn’t diminish her longing to wear glamorous pieces.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Parton said, “I was always a little bit flamboyant, even before I could afford to buy clothes. When I got to where I could pick and choose [what I wore], I was drawn to color and tight clothes—anything just a little bit different than everybody else. I always [toed] the line, and sometimes I was willing to cross it to look like I wanted to look.”
Even though Parton knows her style is not everyone’s style, she urges people to unapologetically be themselves. Parton explained it does not matter to her if people don’t like her outfits because she feels confident in them, and that’s all that matters.
“I never cared what other people did, and I never cared what other people said about what I wore. It was more important that I be comfortable in my clothes and myself. I couldn’t afford to be fashionable, and I wasn’t smart enough to follow those trends—nor did I have the time to do it. I was more interested in my music and in my work.” Parton said in the interview.
Although every performance piece was stunning in its own way, Parton has her favorite. The outfit that holds the most meaning for her is the dress she wore to sing “He's Alive” at the 1989 Country Music Association Awards. An interview by Business Insider sheds light on why this outfit was so memorable.
“It was beautiful, white-beaded, pearls all over the dress, and when you raised your arms, it looked like wings underneath,” Parton told the outlet. “That night was so emotional to me. I was just overcome with a strong spiritual high. So, it left a memory in my mind, and every time I see that dress in a picture, I think of that night and singing that song,” Parton said.
Styles and trends continue to evolve, but Dolly Parton’s outfits and confidence will certainly remain a part of history for years to come.
