Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter, philanthropist and actor, has died aged 80.
In a video statement shared on Tuesday, August 25, her nephew, Bryan Seaver, said: ‘I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honour mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.’
Her extraordinary legacy as the Queen of Country Music will live on, not least through her iconic outfits. Here, ELLE looks back at some of the best, many of which leaned into the maximalist glamour she became known for.
The gravity-defying blonde hair, rhinestoned-to-the-max ensembles and red nails became as synonymous with the singer as the songs that gained her 11-Grammy Award wins, and will be remembered forever.
1970s portrait
Dolly Parton poses for a portrait in circa 1970
Country Music Festival, 1976
Dolly PARTON, performing live onstage at the UK Country Music Festival in ’76
Grammy’s 1977
Backstage at the 19th annual Grammy Awards
‘Here You Come Again’, 1977
Dolly Parton poses for a portrait during the cover session for her album ‘Here You Come Again’ on July 7, 1977
‘Heartbreaker’ album, 1978
Singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton poses for a portrait during the cover session for her album ‘Heartbreaker’ on February 15, 1978
On tour, 1977
Dolly Parton poses for a portrait by her tour bus before performing in September 1977 in Detroit, Michigan
Portrait, 1978
Dolly Parton poses for a portrait session in 1978 in Los Angeles, California.
’86 Concert
Performing on stage in 1986
The Pat Sajak Show, 1989
Dolly Parton appears as the musical guest on The Pat Sajak Show on April 19, 1989 in Los Angeles.
‘Hello Dolly’ tour, 2004
Dolly Parton performs during her ‘Hello Dolly’ tour at the Circus Maximus showroom in Caesars Atlantic City Casino Hote November 12, 2004 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Backstage At MTV, 2004
Dolly Parton poses backstage during the MTV Networks UpFront at the MSG – The Paramount Theatre May 05, 2004 in New York City.
CMT Giant, 2006
Dolly Parton during CMT Giants Honouring Reba McEntire – Hollywood, 2006.
The Oscars, 2006
Dolly Parton was nominated for Best Song for ‘Travelin Thru from Transamerica’
Dolly’s Imagination Library, 2014
Dolly Parton performs during a concert to benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library & Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation at The University of Tennessee’s Thompson-boling Arena on May 28, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
NBC, 2014
Dolly Parton appears on NBC News’ ‘Today’ show
Glastonbury Festival, 2014
Dolly Parton performs on the Pyramid stage during day three of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm
Country Music Awards, 2016
Dolly Parton performs onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Grammy’s 2019
Dolly Parton is honoured at the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
Country Music Awards, May 2021
Dolly Parton attends the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star
Dolly Parton in 2022
In Nashville, Tennesse, June 2024
Dolly Parton speaks onstage at Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center in June, 2024.
At the Country Music Hall of Fame in May 2025
Dolly attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit dedicated to her, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.
At the Brit Awards, February 2026
Dolly Parton presents at The BRIT Awards in Manchester via video link in February 2026.
Read the original article on ELLE UK.
