Guardian Writers

Across six decades, Dolly Parton made rhinestones, high heels, big hair, vivid nails and body-conscious silhouettes central to a highly consistent personal style. Six Guardian writers celebrate looks ranging from her 2014 Glastonbury performance and 1989 Steel Magnolias premiere to appearances with Miley Cyrus, arguing that her flamboyance was intentional, authentic and empowering rather than mere artifice. Her ability to embrace stereotypes, reject age-based fashion rules and turn every rhinestone into a signature of joy made her style both deeply personal and culturally influential.