The world lost yet another legend on Aug. 25, 2026. 11-time Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton passed away at 80 after living a long, meaningful life. Parton, who started performing as young as 13 and rose to fame at just 21, not only had tremendous talent but also carried herself with class and used her kind, generous soul for good. The “9 to 5” singer not only advocated for numerous issues but also directly donated somewhere between $500 million and $600 million to various charities in her lifetime, according to Bizwomen.
We could all be more like Dolly. She possessed extraordinary kindness, a deep sense of empathy and, of course, a good sense of humor. If everyone could carry even just some of Parton’s traits with them, I think it would make the world a much better place. We could even be more like her in her fashion sense. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic outfits that led to her becoming a fashion icon.
1. The International Festival of Country Music, 1976
At Wembley Stadium in London, Parton performed at the 1976 International Festival of Country Music, bringing not only stage presence but also glam. She sported a pale pink matching pantsuit set encrusted with rhinestones, plus the massive hair we all know and love. She showcased a more romantic, gentle style than her usual over-the-top looks, and oh, did the world notice!
2. The Playboy Bunny, 1978
Nothing is more iconic than getting a magazine cover, let alone a Playboy cover. In October 1978, Parton was featured on the cover of Playboy in a custom black bodysuit with a white bow tie, cuffs and matching black bunny ears. She kept the shoot classy, agreeing only if she was fully clothed. In 2021, she recreated this look for her husband Carl Dean’s birthday. He loved the original 1978 cover. Who knew Playboy could be so full circle?
3. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Uniform, 2023
Parton performed during the NFL Thanksgiving halftime performance in November 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. She wore a custom, crystal-embellished take on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform. The audience peaked at 44.3 million viewers around the time Parton took the stage. The cheerleaders even performed with Parton during the second half of her show. Nothing can get quite better than having all of America’s sweethearts in one stadium!
4. The “Jolene” Striped Jumpsuit, 1974
In 1974, Parton’s 13th solo studio album, “Jolene,” peaked at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a significant turning point in her career that established Parton as an independent star rather than tying her to her duet successes. Her album wasn’t the only eye-catching thing; the cover itself featured a custom blue-and-white striped jumpsuit with puffed upper sleeves and a white jacket. The significance of this outfit is what mattered most. It defined her fearless “more is more” style philosophy, proving musicians can embrace over-the-top glamour while still writing deep, vulnerable music.
5. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Leather Jumpsuit, 2022
Americans love rock ‘n’ roll, and they also love Dolly! What could be a better combination than Parton’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 5, 2022? Parton performed for her induction wearing a head-to-toe black lacquered leather and chain-embellished ensemble. She managed to bring rock ‘n’ roll into her own unique style, blending metal chains and black leather with her signature country glitz. She didn’t just stop there! After her induction, she famously decided she wanted to earn this honor and released her own rock ‘n’ roll album, “Rockstar,” in late 2023. She recruited rock royalty to feature on the album, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, and more, helping justify her spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The outfits from her “Rockstar” era were just as glamorous as her country days!
Parton will be remembered for years to come. An international icon, friend to all, fashion powerhouse, humanitarian and music legend are just a few of the ways to describe her, each reflecting a different part of the lasting impact she had. In this article, we focused on her incredible sense of fashion, but I could go on and on about all she achieved throughout her monumental life.
We will never truly have another Dolly, so we must carry her with us in our hearts and minds. Be more like Dolly, whether that’s through her kindness, humility, creativity, songwriting, generosity, advocacy or fashion. Her legacy is more than what she accomplished; it’s the example she left behind for all of us.
Parton once said, “I would never stoop so low to be as fashionable,” meaning she chose to have her own signature look rather than copying temporary trends. So, go be more like Dolly, but never forget who you are. Follow the example she set for us, but make her lessons your own.
For Dolly, and the legacy she leaves behind.