Remembering Dolly Parton’s 15 Most Iconic Outfits of All Time
Remembering Dolly Parton’s 15 Most Iconic Outfits of All Time
Kelsey Stiegman, Bailey BujnosekTue, August 25, 2026 at 7:31 PM UTC
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Dolly Parton at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 29, 2017.Credit: Getty ImagesThe Gist -
Legendary country music star Dolly Parton died in August 2026.
The style icon was known for her flamboyant Western style, which leaned heavily on rhinestones, fringe, leather, and metallics.
Long before there was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” there was Dolly Parton. The “Nine to Five” singer practically invented camp through her notoriously flamboyant style. Just as dramatic off stage as she was on, Parton wore rhinestones, fringe, leather, and metallics with abandon (and often all at once).
Her taste for sartorial theatrics started with some of her earliest public appearances, in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Even then, the country singer was the blueprint for over-the-top Western style. The legendary artist always favored electric colors, skin-tight costuming, and plenty of embellishments. The only visible difference between her debut days and later in her career was the utilization of the era’s trends, like bell sleeves and flared pants.
Decades into her career, Parton’s still gravitated toward the flashy and dramatic—potentially, even more so than when she first started. With each passing year, Parton seemingly became more in-tune with her style, leading to some of her wildest, most Dolly outfits of all time.
Parton’s family announced her death on Tuesday, August 25, with her nephew, Bryan Seaver, sharing the news in a video posted to the late singer’s official Instagram account. “[S]adness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver, who worked with his aunt for over two decades, said in the emotional clip. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [late husband] Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” he added. Parton was 80 years old.
The world mourns not only a musical light, but a singular style star. Ahead, take a look back at Parton’s most iconic looks—from the 1977 Grammy Awards to her 2022 appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
01 of 15
‘Rockstar’ Album Press Conference, 2023
Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Dolly Parton aged like a fine wine: getting funkier and more interesting with each year. This outfit—which features neons, metallics, rhinestones, and fringe—was a shining example of that fact. There was nothing she couldn’t pull off.
02 of 15
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, 2022
Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While attending a 2022 induction ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the country star wore a black mini dress that would leave your average LBD shaking in its boots. The embellished number was covered in chains and grommets in a mix of metallic finishes. Also noteworthy are her lucite naked heels, which were likewise embellished with silver chains.
03 of 15
50th Annual CMA Awards, 2016
Dolly Parton at the 50th Annual CMA Awards on November 2, 2016.Credit: Brett Oronzio/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
For the milestone 50th Annual CMA Awards, Parton went skintight and subtly sparkly. While not visible in this picture, her bright yellow gown had a sheer skirt with lace-type detailing. Her look also happened to match the color of her shiny new trophy, as she took home the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
04 of 15
‘Joyful Noise’ Premiere, 2012
Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
This shimmery white number is easily one of Parton’s most low-key ensembles. That said, it still features many of her favorite design details. Despite its subdued colorway, the knee-length dress is covered entirely in beadwork. She styled the look with pearl-studded mesh gloves and a fistful of diamond-encrusted statement rings.
05 of 15
CMT Giants Event, 2006
Credit: SGranitz/WireImage
Parton’s love of the naked shoe goes all the way back to 2006, when she wore the style for a CMTs red carpet. She paired the revealing footwear with a leather co-ord covered in laser cut-outs.
06 of 15
White House Luncheon, 2000
Credit: Stephen J. Boitano/LightRocket via Getty Images
No one has ever slayed this hard at the White House and no one ever will again. To discuss her charity “Imagination Library,” Parton wore an embroidered chartreuse skirt suit with matching peep-toe pumps. It was history in the making.
07 of 15
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‘The Tonight Show’ with Jay Leno, 1998
Credit: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Though her red carpet looks were always a slay, on stage is where Parton really shined—and I mean that literally. On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, she sparkled in a metallic mini dress topped with a white chiffon overlay. It featured crystals and silver fringe, naturally.
08 of 15
Vanity Fair Oscar Party, 1997
Credit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
I could dedicate a full story to Parton’s expansive collection of elevated LBDs, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll just wax poetic about this velvety number from the 1997 Oscars after-party. The low-cut dress was covered in holographic gold triangles for an added layer of glitz.
09 of 15
Calvin Klein Fashion Show, 1994
Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Dolly Parton was the blueprint for cowgirl style, as well as TikTok’s “Mob Wife” aesthetic. She attended Calvin Klein’s Fall 1994 fashion week show wearing a leopard print mini dress with a peplum waist, styling it with a pair of oversized statement earrings to match.
10 of 15
The Los Angeles Airport, 1993
Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
If you’ve gotten this far into the story, it should come as no surprise to you, dear reader, that Dolly Parton dressed to the nines for even the most humble occasions. While at the airport, the singer wore skinny jeans and a white tee, styled with bauble earrings and a black-and-white fringe jacket. All in all, it was the perfect ’90s look.
11 of 15
Premiere of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ 1989
Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images
I can think of no better reason to go all-out in the wardrobe department than the premiere of sapphic classic Steel Magnolias. A gay icon in her own right, Parton attended the 1989 event dressed all in blue. Her off-the-shoulder dress was covered in intricate pearl embellishments and featured a sheer illusion neckline.
12 of 15
The People’s Choice Awards, 1988
Dolly Parton at the 14th Annual People’s Choice Awards in March 1988.Credit: Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
The fur! The beads! The illusion neckline! Parton understandably shut down the 14th Annual People’s Choice Awards in this stunning white gown. The accessories put it over the top, from the dangly pearl drop earrings to her hot-pink manicure. Parton took home the award for Favorite All-Around Female Entertainer that night, but if there was one for Favorite Fashion Icon, she would’ve won it, too.
13 of 15
‘9 to 5’ After Party, 1980
Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda in NYC in December 1980 at the ‘Nine to Five’ after party.Credit: Getty Images
She was working it 9-to-5! Parton looked pretty in pink for the after party following the December 1980 premiere of the film 9 to 5. Her sweeping gown features a silky skirt and an eye-catching floral print.
14 of 15
The Grammy Awards, 1977
Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Parton attended the 19th annual Grammy Awards wearing hot, hot pink Spandex—as one does. The bodysuit had voluminous bell sleeves and a smattering of rhinestones across the bodice. Even then, the singer was loyal to her signature style.
15 of 15
The International Festival of Country Music, 1976
Dolly Parton performing at the UK Country Music Festival circa 1976.Credit: Andrew Putler/Redferns
In 1976, Parton brought her volumized hair and rhinestone reverence across the pond to the Empire Pool in Wembley, London, where she performed at the International Festival of Country Music. While more muted in color than her later looks, the outfit shows an early glimmer of her future full-on sparkle.
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