REMEMBERING DOLLY
In honor of the life of the country music star, we’re looking back at Dolly Parton’s best outfits over the years.
By Pia Bello
Country music star Dolly Parton has died at age 80, her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed on Aug. 25 in an Instagram video.
Her cause of death has not yet been revealed, but the news came amid a year marked by medical concerns.
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver said in the video.
“I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean—sister, sis, aunt granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next.”
In an interview with People published on Aug. 21, the ten-time Grammy winner shared she had been experiencing symptoms since her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025.
At the time, she “didn’t pay attention” to the symptoms, but had since been focused on her healing.
The singer, actress, and philanthropist was undoubtedly known for her musical genius, but her signature sky-high hair, rhinestone-studded ensembles, and unapologetic love of glamour made her a fashion legend in her own right.
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Here’s a look back at some of Parton’s most unforgettable fashion moments.
At the 1977 Grammy Awards, Parton wore a hot pink-and-white spandex bodysuit with voluminous bell sleeves. True to her style, she layered the outfit with a white western-inspired vest bedazzled with rhinestones.
Guest-starring on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in December 1977, Parton wore a glamorous white dress that featured sparkly embellishments, a fringed shawl, and a cinched waist—a sartorial detail that would become one of her signatures. She styled her platinum-blonde hair in voluminous curls.
In 1978, the “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” singer won Favorite Country Album for New Harvest… First Gathering at the American Music Awards. She attended the event wearing a bright green pantsuit featuring flowing, cape-like sleeves, embellished with colorful floral motifs.
Following the success of her 1977 crossover album Here You Come Again, Parton embarked on a major concert tour across the United States. She showcased a wardrobe defined by dazzling stage outfits, vibrant pant suits, and glamorous sheer dresses.
Her outfit during the Chicago leg of her tour particularly stood out: a glittering, sequin-embellished hot pink gown. Her hair was just the finishing touch, sporting her signature high-volume, cascading blond curls.
In a 1987 portrait promoting her namesake television series, Parton wore a bold red off-the-shoulder dress with a plunging sweetheart neckline. She styled the dress with matching red pumps, lips-shaped earrings, and a cherry lip.
One of Parton’s most memorable outfits was when she performed on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in December 1990. She donned a bright, holiday-themed red gown with gold sparkles and fringe detailing.
Carson even joked during the segment that she looked like Christmas itself and called her a “stocking stuffer.”
Parton wasn’t afraid to experiment with different styles. In June 1992, she took inspiration from Madonna, wearing a brassiere with two giant cones over her breasts. It was a humorous nod to the Queen of Pop’s iconic conical bra, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier.
In November 2005, she performed a memorable duet of “Turn the Lights Out When You Leave” with singer-songwriter Elton John at the 39th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
And she didn’t stray from the western theme: she wore heavily embroidered, bedazzled bell-bottom jeans and a sparkly matching jacket with lace accents.
At the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, Parton debuted her first official rock song, “World On Fire,” which served as the lead single for her 2023 rock album, Rockstar.
To celebrate her departure from her country roots, Parton brought all the drama in a massive, stage-sized, billowy skirt featuring a black-and-white world map. She paired the skirt with a V-neck long-sleeve shirt.
The country superstar’s outfit was right at home during the halftime show of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game on Nov. 23, 2023. As she performed some of her greatest hits, including “9 to 5″ and “Jolene,” Parton sported the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ trademark outfit: a royal blue long-sleeve cropped top and white mini shorts.
Of course, none of her looks is ever complete without extra zhuzh, so she completed the outfit with rhinestone details.
