10 Reasons We’ll Always Love Dolly Parton
By Alexus Mosley
There will only ever be one Dolly Parton. With her towering blonde hair, rhinestone-covered wardrobe and unmistakable Tennessee twang, Dolly became one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures. But the sparkle was only part of the story. She was funny, generous, incredibly savvy and responsible for songs we’ll probably still be singing decades from now. Here are 10 reasons we’ll always love Dolly.
1. She Gave Us “Jolene”
Photo Credit: Hope Powell
Four syllables, one unforgettable plea and a song that became bigger than country music itself. Thank you, Dolly.
2. She Never Took Herself Too Seriously
Photo Credit: Ron Davis
Nobody could make a Dolly Parton joke better than Dolly Parton. Her ability to laugh at herself only made us love her more.
3. She Gave Us “9 to 5”
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Dolly, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin taking on their horrible boss? Workplace cinema simply doesn’t get much better.
4. She Made Big Hair and Long Nails Iconic
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The higher the hair and longer the nails, the better. Dolly didn’t just have a beauty look, she had a signature.
5. She Made Being Over-the-Top Fabulous
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Rhinestones, sequins, sky-high heels and plenty of pink. Dolly was living proof that more really can be more.
6. She Built Dollywood
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Most celebrities build brands. Dolly built an entire theme park in Tennessee. Icon behavior.
7. She Had an Even Bigger Heart
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Through her philanthropy, including the Imagination Library, Dolly helped put millions of books into the hands of children.
8. She Was One Seriously Smart Businesswoman
Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz
Never let the blonde hair fool you. Dolly built an entertainment empire while maintaining remarkable control over her career and image.
9. She Always Had the Best One-Liners
Photo Credit: Don Smetzer
Funny, self-aware and endlessly quotable, Dolly could deliver a punchline almost as well as she could deliver a chorus.
10. She Never Stopped Being Dolly
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Fashions changed, music changed and celebrity changed. Dolly remained gloriously, unmistakably herself through it all.