“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” Dolly Parton famously quipped, embracing her signature blend of humor and glamour.
The legendary country singer has always been open about her love of bold fashion, beauty enhancements, and high heels. When asked about plastic surgery, she told Today’s Willie Geist, “If I see something saggin’, baggin’ or draggin’, I’m gonna get it nipped, tucked or sucked.”
Oprah Winfrey and Dolly Parton share a lighthearted moment on the set of Dolly in 1987, with Oprah looking elegant in a teal double-breasted suit, while Dolly stuns in a silky pink wrap ensemble with matching satin pants and playful feather-trimmed heels (Credit: WENN)
Beyond her iconic looks, Dolly is admired for her authenticity, confidence, unapologetic self-expression, and love for high heels. She once tweeted, “When I’m feeling a little low, I put on my favorite high heels to stand a little taller.”
Her distinct image, from big blonde hair to dazzling footwear, has become synonymous with her larger-than-life persona.
Dolly Parton flaunts her petite size 5.5 (US) feet in glamorous silver platform heels with crystal-embellished clear straps on the red carpet (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)
Dolly Parton’s Signature Look: A Legacy of Glamour and Transformation
Her image has become her brand in many ways, and it’s received much attention for decades. She appeared on the cover of Playboy in 1978.
Despite declining an invitation to pose nude for the magazine, she appeared wearing the infamous Playboy bunny outfit, including the ears. Her breasts are a large part of her signature look – and I mean that both figuratively and literally. The 40DD chest on her petite frame stands out.
The media has often said that her breasts enter the room before she does. Her notorious breast implants were the inspiration for Dolly the cloned sheep’s name, as she was cloned from a mammary gland.
For many who know Dolly, it seems she has always looked this way and hasn’t changed over the years, so many aren’t sure what she’s done and what is natural.
Singer Dolly Parton turns heads in a fitted, embellished blue leather jacket while promoting her album Halos and Horns at HMV Oxford Street in London on October 8, 2002 (Credit: WENN)
Beyond her signature big hair, high heels, and sparkling ensembles, Dolly has openly embraced cosmetic enhancements as part of her larger-than-life image.
In her twenties, Dolly first opted for cosmetic enhancements, beginning a lifelong journey of refining her signature look. Over the years, she and her surgeon have been candid about the procedures that have helped maintain her iconic image.
Dolly Parton’s Iconic Breast Implants: A Defining Feature of Her Look
Although Dolly has had other work done, her breast implants are the most popular. Her surgeon is Dr. John Grossman, a renowned celebrity plastic surgeon. When interviewed by People, he said, “She has a generous bosom, which I augmented some years ago.”
She had said she had always had nice breasts but got them pumped up in her twenties, before becoming famous, and again in her thirties. This is why we’ve always known Dolly to look this way.
Dolly Parton and her lookalike, Pete Burns, both known for their love of bold fashion and extensive plastic surgery, showcase their signature styles—Dolly in a rhinestone-studded white ensemble with her iconic platinum blonde hair, and Pete in a silky embroidered kimono with dramatic makeup and voluminous waves (Credit: WENN)
When she first got into the business, some people would make fun of her for it, and although it initially embarrassed her, she realized that it was also because of her tight, flashy clothes that enhanced the look.
Because her breast implants are such a significant part of her brand, she insured these precious assets for $300,000 each. She’s also named them; they go by ‘the twins’ as well as West Virginia and East Virginia.
Why Dolly Parton Opted for Breast Reductions After Decades of Back Pain
“My breasts have been a trademark to me – but I’ve paid a hell of a price,” said Dolly. She has spoken out about the back pain her large chest had started to cause, prompting her to get a breast reduction.
The weight of her large breasts had compressed her spin and started to create crippling pain. After about 30 years, in 2004, she had them reduced slightly. The pain was still there, so she again had them reduced in 2011.
Dolly Parton beams while promoting her album Those Were the Days at a Best Buy event, showcasing her signature blonde hair, bold makeup, and radiant smile (Credit: PNP / WENN)
Her history with plastic surgery is a big part of her story. In April 2020, A&E released Biography: Dolly, a special about the busty country singer’s life, which featured interviews with her closest friends over the years. In the doc, viewers learned that her beauty enhancements go beyond plastic surgery, including wigs and fake nails.
The Price of Perfection: Dolly Parton’s $1 Million Breasts
“I’ve slapped a few people who didn’t stare at them! This kind of money, they’d better be looking at them,” Dolly told UK magazine Q about having spent $1 million on her breasts. “No, I’ve not insured my boobs. I just paid a million dollars for them and I hope they look like a million dollars, too!”
Dolly always felt her hands were too small, so she got long acrylic nails to make them look bigger. This significantly impacted her career.
When she was at the onset of the iconic film 9 to 5, she would “just walk around on the set and I [would] wear acrylic nails. I thought, I’m just going to play my nails”. So, she used her acrylic nails as a percussion instrument to write the theme song.
Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda exude retro office-chic in 9 to 5 (1980), with Tomlin in a bold embroidered jacket, Parton in a Western-inspired belted blue dress, and Fonda in a soft pink blouse with a high-waisted skirt, capturing the film’s empowering style (Credit: WENN)
Big Hair, Big Dreams: Dolly’s Signature Look and Lasting Legacy
Dolly’s big blonde hair is another essential aspect of her signature look. In her twenties, after years of bleach and styling, her hair started to break, and she turned to wings.
“I used to try to keep my own hair teased as big as I like it, and having the beach and all that, it just broke off,” she told Hallmark. “I thought, ‘Why not just wear wigs?’ That way, I never have a bad hair day. I have a big hair day, but not a bad hair day”.
On the set of Hannah Montana, Dolly Parton sparkles in a rhinestone-embellished denim set with strappy metallic heels, while Miley Cyrus keeps it casual in cuffed jeans, a floral jacket, and embroidered ballet flats (Credit: Disney Channel)
As a self-proclaimed feminist, Dolly changed the music industry for women. Female country music stars were to look proper and more subdued, but she changed that. She also fought for pay equity, which is recognized in her songs and film 9 to 5, and achieved success thanks to her brand.
This brand and her distinct image helped her create the cult following she’s had for all these years. In 1986, she even opened her theme park, Dollywood.
The park reflects Dolly; it’s what’s referred to as “The Dollywood Difference,” which is done “all in a manner consistent with Christian values and ethics.”
Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda share a joyful moment at a 2009 event, with Dolly sparkling in a bold zebra-print blazer and Jane exuding elegance in a chic leopard-print ensemble (Credit: Joseph Marzullo / WENN)
Faith and Music: Dolly Parton’s Spiritual Journey in Song
In addition to being a country singer, Dolly has released several Christian songs. Her spiritual and religious beliefs are a big part of who she is, though she didn’t start making contemporary Christian music until much later in her career.
When asked by People about it, she said, “I’ve just felt like God was calling me into that. I’ve always felt like my music was more my ministry than a job. I just feel that this day and time, we need more people that are in a position to help to try to do something, if they can, to brighten the world a little bit. That’s what I’m hoping to do now”.
Dolly Parton turns heads at the CMA Music Festival on June 11, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee, dazzling in a vibrant yellow studded jacket with a plunging neckline, bold makeup, and her signature voluminous blonde hair (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
Dolly breaks down stereotypes and repeatedly redefines the industry. You can be a successful Christian artist with platinum blonde hair and large breast implants. Miley Cyrus’s godmother is, and always has, carved her own path, and there is no stopping her.
If she were to appear in Playboy again, it would be yet another ground-breaking, barrier-removing move from Dolly, showing that age is nothing but a number.
Carrie Underwood (L) dazzles in a sparkling green halter gown with a daring thigh-high slit, paired with metallic gold strappy heels, while Dolly Parton stuns in a ruffled off-the-shoulder dress with pink embellishments, completing her look with sparkling platform sandals at the 53rd annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee (Credit: Instar / WENN)
Dolly Parton and Katy Perry Unite for an Iconic ACM Awards Duet
In April 2016, the then 70-year-old Dolly Parton took to the stage with Katy Perry to sing a duet of her hits at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. They sang “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “9 to 5″ together that evening.
The legendary American singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian was also awarded the Tex Ritter Award for her work producing the TV movie “Coat of Many Colors”, which tells the story of Dolly‘s upbringing.
Country music legend Dolly Parton shows off her teeth (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
For her performance, Dolly Parton wore a sequined ensemble true to form paired with sky-high Christian Louboutin heels. High heels have no age limit!
Dolly Parton was awarded the Tex Ritter Award at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
Do you plan to wear high heels when you’re in your 70s? Let us know how you like Dolly’s sparkling sequined jacket!
Katy Perry and Dolly Parton light up the stage at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards on April 3, 2016, in Las Vegas, with Dolly dazzling in sparkling platform heels and Katy adding a playful touch with pink cowboy boots and bold yellow pumps (Credit: WENN)
“Katy Perry is a living doll,” Dolly Parton told Rolling Stone.
“I like her because she is very upfront, open, honest, and funny. I like her approach to her music. She’s a very talented and serious songwriter and I always appreciate that. I look forward to getting to know her better personally as we have a lot in common. . . our love for songwriting and our similar upbringing. It was a joy getting to sing with her on the ACMs. I was a hit with my nieces, nephews, and my young friends as they can’t believe I met Katy Perry. I met a girl and I liked her!”
Dolly Parton in a colorful sequined jacket at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016 (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Immediately after it was announced that she would be performing with Dolly Parton at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Perry took to Twitter to show off her excitement: “MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. I shall remember, though, that I am but one sequin on this living legend’s costume!”
Dolly Parton stuns in towering Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform heels, featuring the brand’s signature red soles, perfectly complementing her crystal-embellished white ensemble
Dolly Parton Shines at the 2023 ACM Awards With Humor and Glamour
In May 2023, Dolly Parton made a grand entrance at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
The then-77-year-old iconic artist’s sparkling silver ensemble beautifully accentuated her hourglass figure, turning heads as she walked down the red carpet.
Dolly Parton capturing everyone’s attention in a sparkling silver ensemble at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 11, 2023 (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Her attire boasted a plunging neckline that showcased her legendary bust, adorned with sparkling, embroidered silver beads and delicate sheer paneling, creating an elegant turtleneck silhouette.
Adding extra glamour, the ensemble featured layers of flashy crystal fringe trimming the hem and swirling silver paisley accents embellished with beading and crystals on each shoulder.
Dolly Parton opted for a pink-and-red manicure to add bold pops of color to her shimmery silver ensemble (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
The rich country singer-songwriter incorporated a Western twist into her look with silver-patterned pants elegantly lined with crystal fringe along her legs.
Completing her ensemble, she sported a vibrant pink and red manicure, complemented by a cocktail ring adorned with multiple diamonds and a jeweled butterfly ring.
Her signature bleach-blonde bouffant framed her face, complemented by glossy pink lips, rosy blush, and shimmering purple and white eyeshadow.
Dolly Parton’s beauty look consisted of a blonde bouffant, colorful eye makeup, a rosy blush, and a pink lip (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
As for footwear, Parton donned her signature tall platform heels featuring platform soles made of matching silver leather accentuated with shimmering round crystals. These delicate 5-inch heels added a glamorous touch and boosted her height, giving her look the perfect finishing touch.
ACM Awards has always had a special connection with Dolly Parton. She has been honored with ten prestigious awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year in 1978.
The event, held annually, celebrates the best acts and musicians in the country music industry. This year, Parton and Garth Brooks took on the role of co-hosts, ensuring an unforgettable night for country music enthusiasts.
To kick off the ceremony, Brooks paid tribute to the revered country music legends, including Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.
The 61-year-old singer expressed gratitude towards his esteemed cohost and exclaimed, “But the king of country music is a female! Give it up for G.O.A.T.!”
Dolly Parton is a celebrated country music icon with ten prestigious awards from the Academy of Country Music alone (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Parton strutted onto the stage with perfect timing, accompanied by a live goat named Claire, playfully addressing the crowd’s search for a goat. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat? I’ve got your goat right here!” she exclaimed, showcasing her quick wit and infectious humor.
And that was only the beginning. Parton revealed a humorous anecdote, claiming she had heard rumors that she served as the “hall pass” for Brooks and his 58-year-old wife, Trisha Yearwood.
With a mischievous grin, she exclaimed, “I just had a thought! I know why you’re doing that ‘G.O.A.T.’ thing! I think it stands for ‘Garth Organized a Threesome.'”
The audience laughed as a blushing Brooks admitted, “And I thought I couldn’t love you anymore. I think I speak for everybody, not just in Texas but around the world when I say we will always love you.”
Dolly Parton with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
While the evening had its light-hearted moments, Dolly Parton also took a heartfelt turn, paying tribute to two dear friends who had passed away. In a poignant and impromptu moment, she delivered a heartwarming a cappella rendition of the hymn “Precious Memories,” honoring the legacies of Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd.
She praised Lynn, who passed away at age 90 last October, as a “hero and one of the most important, but still down-to-earth singer-songwriters in history,” and fondly remembered Judd, who died by suicide in April 2022, saying, “We’re the same age, both real G.O.A.T.s, Capricorns, and we loved big hair. I still do. And we loved that makeup. But above all else, we loved each other.”
To conclude the memorable night, Parton graced the stage once again, performing the lead track from her upcoming all-star rock album, “Rockstar,” which will be released on November 17.
Priscilla Block and Dolly Parton posed for photographs together at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
The album features a star-studded lineup of collaborations with icons like Pat Benatar, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Rob Halford, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, Elton John, Simon Le Bon, Paul McCartney, and many others.
It is a powerful response to her reluctant 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
With her performance of “World on Fire,” Parton made a statement that reverberated through the venue. Draped in a dramatically billowing map-of-the-world skirt, she delivered a passionate plea, lamenting the polarized state of contemporary society.
Dolly Parton made sure that the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was an unforgettable one with her talent, wit, and heart (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Her powerful lyrics resonated: “Show some love, let’s rise above, let’s make a stand, let’s lend a hand, let’s heal the hurt, let kindness work, let’s be a friend, let hatred end.”
At that moment, Dolly Parton proved once again that she was not only a musical icon but a voice of unity and compassion.