Interview with country music icon Dolly Parton: “I love all that glitters”

by Violaine Schütz.

Publié le 1 april 2025. Modifié le 15 April 2025.

Fashion and music interview of Dolly Parton about her collaboration
with Good American

Numéro: What inspired you to work with Good American on a collection called Dolly’s Joleans?

Dolly Parton: I love wearing denim and I thought it would be great to have the chance to work with Emma (Grede) and Khloé (Kardashian), the founders of Good American. So I said to myself, “Why not? I’m in a position to do it and they seem interested.” We believed it was a win-win collaboration. So I’m very excited about the whole Dolly’s Joleans collection.”

Did you draw your inspiration from your own wardrobe for this collection?

Yes, I’ve worn denims all my life, as well as gingham prints. Of course, as soon as I got my hands on rhinestones, that was it. I put rhinestones almost everywhere in this collection. I don’t have any on my outfit today (Dolly Parton wore a red and white checked shirt and a pair of jeans during our Zoom interview, ed.), but that doesn’t mean I won’t have some soon. I like everything bright and colourful, I like everything that shines obviously. I always have.

“You have to start by choosing the right basics, like a good pair of jeans.” Dolly Parton

Do you have a favourite piece in this collection?

I love them all actually. As I said, I love bright colours and gingham has always been my favourite print. But denim is even better, because it really enhances your silhouette. You feel comfortable wearing them and you can pair them with anything. With the right pair of jeans, everything comes easily. You can pair them with any cardigan, blouse or jacket. So I’d say you have to start by choosing the right basics, like a good pair of jeans.

In the press release for the Dolly’s Joleans collection, you say “Life’s too short to wear boring clothes!” How would you define your style?

My look is very much me. It’s very Dolly, because I feel comfortable in my clothes. I think everyone should wear what looks good on them, regardless of what other people think. You have to wear what suits you, show what you want to show and hide what you want to hide. Everyone’s style has to be unique and personal.

“All my life I’ve been fascinated by all that glitters.” Dolly Parton

Do you remember when you first found your own style?

I never thought of myself as stylish or chic and I never tried to be. In fact, I still don’t see myself that way. I always wanted to be pretty and wear clothes that I liked. I remember always being fascinated by clothes and admiring what other people would wear. So I tried to pick clothes that matched my personality and what I was doing. I always wore what I felt
comfortable in, even if it was clothes that most people would only wear at night. I would wear them during the day or mix different styles. I have clothes that I’ve worn for years and still love. I pull out an old T-shirt and wear it with my brand new tracksuit.

You declared: “It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.” Yet, you love wearing rhinestones. When did your passion for rhinestones start?

I think all my life I’ve been fascinated by all that glitters. I always ran behind my father as he would plough the fields, because he would plough a lot of big stones – among them were some shiny quartz stones. I remember picking them up, bringing them home, washing them, and thinking that I’d found a big diamond or something. But I remember that out of all the things that shone, the stars started it all for me. Looking at them at night in dark corners, just like looking at the moon and the sun, was one of the brightest moments in my childhood. That’s why it seemed so fitting to create a beautiful clothing line with Good American that would represent that. We have several pieces with rhinestones in the collection and I think,people will love wearing them. Every time I wear something that shines, I feel even more sparkly.

“My casual outfits don’t look like anyone else’s.” Dolly Parton

Which pieces of your wardrobe do you prefer to wear on stage or out during the day?

I’ve always had a lot of things in my big old wardrobe. My stage outfits are different from other pieces. Regarding my concert looks, I really put a lot of myself into them. I love being weighed down by rhinestones, sequins, beautiful colours and tailor-made clothes, because I always feel much better and perform better that way. I feel that once I’ve got all that shine, I can go out and perform. I like to wear my very casual outfits for special events. But my casual outfits don’t look like anyone else’s, and even the ones I consider my day clothes, have a bit of glitter on them. In any case, I go for it in the morning. I put on clothes and tell myself that when I’ve got enough on, it means that I’m ready for the day.

What is the one fashion item you will never wear? Flats?

I wear flats at home, but not when I go out. I love my high heels, because I’m short. Even as a child, before I knew I was going to be short, I used to love high heels. I couldn’t wait to put my tiny feet into a pair of pumps. I love the way they look, and I’m so used to running in them. I sometimes wear tennis shoes or flats if I’m exercising or on a special occasion. Otherwise, I prefer to avoid them and wear heels instead.

“Country clothes and country music are always fantastic, no matter who gets a hold of it or where in the world the revival takes place.” Dolly Parton

We have seen country music, as well as the western aesthetic that goes with it, being back on trend thanks to Shaboozey and Beyoncé, with whom you have collaborated. What are your thoughts on this?

I think it’s great. Country music has become essential lately. Everyone loves it. Fashion is very influenced by country music today, with a lot of western pieces making their comeback in various collections. A lot of people are wearing cowboy boots, denims and gingham prints today and I love that. I still love denims and shirts with western cuts. Country music is great,
and so is the look that goes with it. In fact, country clothes and country music are always fantastic, no matter who gets a hold of it or where in the world the revival takes place.

You have a lot of ongoing projects: the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which has just reopened, and your Dollybeauty brand… Are you also working on a new album?

I’m working on several projects, including a new musical coming soon (in July and August2025 in Nashville). It’s the story of my life and it’s called Dolly: An original musical. I’ll be recording songs for this project. Then, of course, the album including the rest of the cast will be released. I’m working on that at the moment and it’s going to take some time.

The Dolly’s Joleans collection designed by Good American and Dolly Parton will be available on April 3rd, 2025 on goodamerican.com  and nordstrom.com.