At 77 years young, Dolly Parton continues to amaze us with her boundless creativity and talent. As we approach the end of 2023, get ready for a double dose of Dolly goodness. On October 17th, she will release her highly anticipated new book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones. And just a month later, on November 17th, she will bless us with her very first rock album, Rockstar. It’s Dolly Parton season, y’all!
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Dolly spoke about her new book and album, but she also gave us a glimpse into her distinct fashion sense and how she has always stayed true to herself, despite criticism even from her own family.
Dolly’s fashion inspiration came from an unlikely source – a woman she affectionately called the “town tramp.” This woman had a flamboyant style, with her bright red lipstick, long red fingernails, and daring outfits. Dolly was captivated by her beauty and would seek her out during trips to town with her family.
Despite facing disapproval from her father, a sharecropper, and her preacher grandfather, Dolly refused to let their opinions sway her. She proudly embraced her individuality and expressed herself through her fashion choices. As she explained to The Guardian, “I was willing to pay for it. I didn’t like being disciplined, but sometimes there’s that part of you that’s willing to go for it if you want something bad enough.” Dolly wanted it bad enough, and she went for it.
But it wasn’t just her family who had reservations about her style. Even record label executives tried to convince her to tone it down. Yet, Dolly remained steadfast in expressing herself authentically. While she admits to caring about what people think, it has never compromised her true self.
Dolly lives by the advice her mother always gave her: “to thine own self be true.” She believes in the strength that comes from staying true to her own beliefs and understanding, whether in her personality, conduct, or business ventures.
Dolly Parton’s Success: A Tribute to Her Remarkable Parents
Dolly Parton’s remarkable success as a recording artist for the past 67 years can be attributed, in large part, to her upbringing and the influence of her parents. She believes that she inherited the best qualities from both of them, shaping her into the businesswoman and artist she is today.
“I like to think that I got the best of my dad and my mom. It’s kept me as a businesswoman, knowing what I need to do, not just to get out and sing,” Dolly shared. Her parents’ influence helped her build an empire worth over $500 million and create a catalog of over 3,000 songs.
Songwriting has always been a deep passion for Dolly. She started as young as 7 years old and continues to write songs to this day, even in her “retirement” from touring. Whenever inspiration strikes, Dolly makes sure to capture it immediately, writing it down on whatever is handy, whether it’s gum wrappers or restaurant napkins. She knows that great ideas can slip away if not recorded promptly.
Dolly Parton is not only a musical legend but also an inspiration for staying true to oneself. From her unique fashion sense to her unwavering authenticity, she reminds us that, no matter our age, we should always embrace who we are and follow our dreams.
