Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer, has always been questioned about her unique style and fashion choices. However, she confidently addresses these inquiries with grace, undeterred by the raised eyebrows and opinions of others.
In anticipation of the November release of Parton’s album, “Rockstar,” and her book, “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones,” which will be available this month, she recently sat down for an interview with The Guardian. In this new interview, Parton revealed that during her childhood, she faced verbal and physical punishment for her bold and daring sense of fashion.
Parton has always been open about the influence of a woman she refers to as the “town tramp” on her distinctive look.
“She was flamboyant. She had bright red lipstick, long red fingernails,” Parton shared with The Guardian. “She had high-heeled shoes with little floating plastic goldfish in the heels, short skirts, low-cut tops, and I just thought she was beautiful.”
Despite the negative judgments from others, Parton saw the woman as an inspiration and knew that she wanted to emulate her as she grew up. People in her town would dismissively label the woman as “nothing but trash,” but Parton saw her with awe in her eyes.
“That’s who I want to become one day,” she would playfully remark.
According to The Guardian, Parton’s grandfather, who was a preacher, disapproved of her expressive fashion choices and punished her for them. However, this did not deter her.
“I was willing to face the consequences,” Parton continued. “I am a sensitive person, and being disciplined hurt my feelings deeply. But sometimes, when you desire something passionately enough, you are willing to take risks.”
In a 1977 interview with Barbara Walters, which resurfaced in recent years due to Walters’ audacious questions about Parton’s appearance, Walters commented, “You don’t have to present yourself this way; you are naturally beautiful. You don’t have to wear blonde wigs or extreme clothes.”
The star of “9 to 5” replied, “It is a deliberate choice. I don’t aspire to blend in with everyone else. I have often said that I would never stoop so low as to follow fashion trends, as that is the easiest thing to do. … The true essence of who I am lies within, where it truly matters.”
When Walters asked Parton if she ever felt like a joke, the Grammy winner responded, “For years, people believed that the joke was on me, but in reality, it was on the public. I am fully aware of what I am doing. … I am confident in myself as a person and in my talent.”
In 2021, Oprah questioned Parton about whether she had been hurt by the jokes and referenced the 1977 interview with Walters.
“In the early days, it used to bother me,” Parton admitted. “Although it didn’t change who I am or how I presented myself. But sometimes, I feel a little embarrassed when people make excessive fun of it. That’s when I realize that they don’t truly understand me.”
Parton’s 49th album, “Rockstar,” will be released on November 17th and includes collaborations with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on the song “Let It Be.” Mick Fleetwood is on drums, and Peter Frampton plays guitar. Additionally, the album features songs with Elton John, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and Rob Halford from Judas Priest. Lizzo joins Parton on the track “Stairway to Heaven.”
“Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones,” a book chronicling Parton’s life and career in gem-encrusted clothing and costumes, will be available in bookstores on October 17th.
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