At 77 years old, the legendary Dolly Parton continues to inspire and impress us with her endless creativity and talent. As we enter the final months of 2023, Dolly has exciting new releases in store for us. Her new book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, will be hitting the shelves on October 17th, followed by her first-ever rock album, Rockstar, on November 17th. It’s truly Dolly Parton season, y’all!
Embracing Authenticity: Dolly’s Distinctive Fashion Style
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Dolly Parton discussed her new book and album, but she also shared insights into her distinctive fashion style. Dolly has always remained true to herself, even in the face of disapproval from her own family.
Dolly’s unique sense of fashion was inspired by a woman she admired in her hometown. This woman, affectionately referred to as the “town tramp,” 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 criticism from her father, a sharecropper, and her grandfather, a preacher, Dolly never allowed their disapproval to deter her. She proudly embraced her individuality and expressed herself through her fashion choices, remaining true to who she was. Dolly understood the importance of pursuing what she desired, even if it meant facing criticism.
“I was willing to pay for it. I’m very sensitive, I didn’t like being disciplined – it hurt my feelings so bad to be scolded or whipped or whatever. But sometimes there’s just that part of you that’s willing, if you want something bad enough, to go for it,” she revealed to The Guardian. Dolly wanted it bad enough, so she went for it.
Even record label executives tried to persuade her to tone down her style, but Dolly remained steadfast in expressing herself authentically. While she cared about what people thought, she never allowed it to compromise her true self.
Dolly lives by the advice her mother always gave her: “to thine own self be true.” She firmly believes in the strength that comes from staying true to her own understanding and beliefs, whether it’s in her personality, conduct, or business ventures.
The Remarkable Influence of Dolly’s Parents
Dolly Parton’s incredible success as a recording artist spanning 67 years can be attributed, in large part, to her upbringing and the influence of her parents. She believes 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, emphasizing the significant impact her parents had on her career. Their influence helped her build an empire worth more than $500 million and create a catalog of over 3,000 songs.
Songwriting has been a passion for Dolly since she was just 7 years old. Even though she has retired from touring, she continues to write songs to this day. Whenever an idea strikes her, she ensures that she captures it immediately by writing it down on whatever is available, whether it’s gum wrappers or restaurant napkins. Dolly understands that great ideas can easily slip away if not recorded promptly.
Dolly Parton’s creativity, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to being true to herself have propelled her to incredible heights in her career. With her upcoming book and album, she showcases not only her remarkable talent but also the importance of embracing individuality and staying true to who you are.
