17 Dolly Parton Beauty Moments That Will Go Down in History

There are beauty icons, and then there is Dolly Parton. For over six decades, the legendary country singer and songwriter has served up her singular brand of glamour: larger-than-life hair, vivid pageant makeup, and flawless acrylic nails. Today, at 79, she’s as captivating as ever.

What makes Parton’s look so timeless is that it’s unmistakably hers. “What might appear dated or cartoonish to others looks completely right on her because she owns the look. She’s incredibly smart and self-aware, and fully inhabiting this camp, ultra-considered appearance is as much a part of her on-stage persona as the music, outfits, and witty banter,” says Rachael Gibson, a journalist known as The Hair Historian. “She also understands that, as quite a diminutive person, having big hair, bold makeup, and flashy costuming ensures you don’t get lost on stage and that all eyes remain on you.”

Parton’s more-is-more philosophy has, quite literally, shaped the evolution of beauty standards in the industry. “Dolly is the standard for country music—come dolled up, be ready, be confident, and lean into your femininity if you like it,” says celebrity makeup artist and Bakeup Beauty founder Jo Baker. “She gave women permission and an invitation to be their most outrageous, girly selves, and we all love it.”

Of course, at the heart of Parton’s effervescent persona is her towering platinum-blonde hair, courtesy of her treasure trove of wigs. “It’s an old-school approach to styling with the romance and fantasy of ‘80s country music queens,” says Gibson. While the shape of her hair has shifted into different styles over the years, from a ‘60s-style bouffant to a feathery mullet, the high-to-the-heavens volume and peroxide blonde hue have remained constant. “It’s always big and blonde, whether it’s curls or a layered, backcombed, long shag. They’re the key features, and everything else just builds on it.”

Of course, Parton’s makeup—cut-crease blue eyeshadow, fluttery lashes, rosy cheeks, and glossy lips—is no less statement-making. “Dolly’s makeup is exactly like her name—think pageant primp and polish,” says Baker. “She’s a ‘more is more’ kind of gal, and her whole face is always ‘done.’ She’s a Southern belle who always seems ready for the stage or a Monday morning walk down the high street—consistently glamorous!”

And her signature talons? Her acrylics, often painted fire-engine red, aren’t just the cherry on top of her visual presentation but an instrument of hers as well. In fact, back in 2019, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Parton revealed they were integral to the making of her 1980 hit “9 to 5.” She created the baseline by tapping her acrylic nails together to mimic the sound of a typewriter. The credits on her record even attribute their role: “Nails by Dolly.”

As vibrant as ever at 79 (she’s about to kick off her “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” tour), Parton is a national treasure and enduring beauty icon—one we should be celebrating every day. “She’s the one artist who fully turned her on-stage persona into a part of her brand, which has remained unchanged through her long and successful career,” says Gibson. “She’s a steadfast stalwart of glamour, unchanged with the decades and as committed to glamour today as in the ‘70s heyday.” Here, we’re looking back at 17 of Parton’s most unforgettable beauty moments.

Big Beehive, 1965

Even at the beginning of her career, Parton knew the power of full-bodied hair, seen here in a voluminous bouffant style. “Having big hair on a small screen really allows you to take up space and be visible and set the tone for fashions in country hair,” says Gibson

High to the Heavens, 1977

“My favorite Dolly look is the big, smooth, flicked-out wigs that she wore in the 70s,” says Gibson. “This is how I’d like my hair to look every single day of my life–the epitome of ‘tease-it-to-Jesus,’ Southern glamour.” Her brushed-out waves were complemented by what else but lush lashes and glossy lips.

Butterfly Head Scarf, 1977

“In the ’70s, Dolly often wore bows or matching accessories in her hair,” says Gibson. What could be a dreamier match for her doll-like lashes, soft draped blush, and fuchsia lips?

Bandana-Ready Waves, 1970s

Another major scarf moment. This combination proves that with a little face-framing finessing, a bandana still lets big waves shine.

Cherry Red Nails, 1970s

The perfect accessory to Parton’s “undeniably artificial and over-the-top Barbie hair”? That would be bright red nails, sharpened and glossed to perfection.

Full ’80s Face, 1981

“The eyelids are highlighted with a cut crease, the lashes are full and fluttery, the brows are rounded and girly, the cheeks are beaming with blush, and the lips are glossy and sweet,” says Baker of this quintessentially Dolly ‘80s makeup moment.

Technicolor Makeup, 1980s

“I admire Dolly’s consistency with makeup,” says Baker. “Of course, there were softer tones at times, but in the ‘80s—when everything was a little extra—bold tones were everywhere.” Case in point: This shimmering technicolor eye moment.

Feathered Mullet, 1988

“Dolly’s feathered mullet, worn through the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, reflected country’s broader adoption of more mainstream rock influences but still feels very distinct to her take on beauty.  Even though it’s slightly more raw and rock ‘n’ roll, the color and styling lend it a glamorous feel.”

Spiraled Mullet, 1980s

If Dolly’s hair history has taught us anything, it’s that she’s never met a mullet she didn’t like. Here’s her ultra-spiraled take, worn with bright pink blush and satin pink lipstick for good measure.

Long Curly Mullet, 1989

Straight, hair-sprayed bangs in the front, waist-grazing curly mullet? Why not! Dolly never misses.

Fanned-Out Mullet, 1990

Parton’s hair is never just tall; it’s also fanned out to the heavens too. For proof, see this crown of feathered fabulousness worn with glossy, overlined red lips.

Shimmery Jewel Tones, 1993

In the '90s, Parton continued to rock the metallic jewel-toned lipsticks and eyeshadows that defined the '80s—and we’ll love her forever for it.

Sleek Mullet, 1997

Parton is, by all means, allergic to minimalism. Still, this sleek take on her beloved mullet feels decidedly ‘90s—at least, by her standards.

Y2K, But Make It Dolly, 2002

Even as Parton entered her Y2K era, she stuck to her trademark bold glam—overlined red lips and cut-crease smoky eyes—while her skin remained as naturally luminous as ever.

Rhinestone Cowgirl, 2015

For Parton, makeup is never complete without a bit of sparkle—eye gems included, of course.

Purple and Pink, 2015

In Dolly's world, purple eyeshadow and bright pink lips are always a match made in beauty heaven."

More-Is-More Forever, 2025

From her vivid eyeshadows to her teased-to-the-heavens blonde hair, Dolly's unapologetic country glam is an endless source of inspiration for beauty lovers everywhere.

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