Celebrity Transformations Dolly Parton's Beauty Evolution From the '60s to Today The American icon has crafted a style that is uniquely her own. By Krista Carter Krista Carter Krista Carter is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working in beauty and fashion. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on January 9, 2023 @ 09:27AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images With over 50 years in the business, Dolly Parton is an American icon. The songstress, who even has her own Dollywood theme park in her native Tennessee, has never been one to play it safe when it comes to her career — nor her style. Whether she's launching her own fragrance line or recreating her 1978 Playboy cover at 75, Parton has always stayed true to herself. Known for her signature blonde bombshell meets country-sweetheart flair, the supporter of women and lover of men is definitely one-of-a-kind. Dolly Parton Wants to Know If You've Learned the Lesson Yet Ahead, check out Dolly Parton's beauty evolution over the years. 01 of 25 1955 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Although without her voluminous mane, nine-year-old Parton's signature smile still gives her away. She grew up in Sevier County, Tennessee, with 11 brothers and sisters. "If we ever had any makeup in the house," her mother once told People of the budding beauty, "Dolly'd grab it first." 02 of 25 1964 Nancy Barr/Retna Teenage years can take a toll on your self-esteem — even if you're Dolly Parton. "I always wanted to be prettier," Parton has said of her teenage self. Her solution? This voluminous bixie and glamorous makeup. "I got to fixin' myself up. I wanted my clothes tight, my makeup bright, my nails long, my lips red. I got into it." Believe It Or Not, You Can Actually Manifest Your Best Life With Makeup 03 of 25 1970 Michael Ochs Archives Looking extra fresh-faced, a young Parton poses for a portrait that has us swooning. Her hair scarf accessory adds a fun flair. 04 of 25 1972 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The rising star (who released two solo albums and performed with partner Porter Wagoner) had already adopted her trademark whipped cream wigs and frosty makeup. Here, she adds a mod touch in the form of dramatic lashes — both top and bottom — plus graphic liner. 05 of 25 1976 Michael Ochs Archives Talk about voluminous hair! Parton's full, cascading curls might as well serve as an ad for hair products — and we're buying. If You Have Flat Hair, Read This To Get Some Extra Volume 06 of 25 1977 Images Press When Parton arrived in the Big Apple, city slickers took notice. With her iconic hair and denim button-down, she proves that you can take the girl out of the country but not the country out of the girl. 07 of 25 1978 Getty Images "I'm aware I'm not in style, but it don't bother me," the Heartbreaker songstress told People of her bubble coifs, like this platinum one here. "I like looking as if I came out of a fairy tale." 08 of 25 1980 Walter McBride/Retna Parton related to her misunderstood sexpot secretary character in Nine to Five. "I'm not selling sex," she said of her unabashedly va-va-va-voom style. "The magic of the whole thing, is that I am one way and look another." 09 of 25 1983 Michael Putland The singer was absolutely glowing in this photo from the early '80s. She even matched her sky-high hair with lashes of the same fashion. The 13 Best Lengthening Mascaras of 2023 10 of 25 1987 Everett Digital Big wigs and bigger talent — the crossover superstar released her 28th solo album, Rainbow. Like her music, Parton's aesthetic is bold and beautiful. 11 of 25 1988 Fotos International Parton posed at the People's Choice Awards in the late '80s, looking utterly romantic. Pink makeup and tousled curls à la messy updo soften her typically maximalist style. 12 of 25 1994 Jim Smeal/WireImage "I've always loved makeup, and it's something I understand," Parton told People. "You can do it in good taste, but if you want to look like the town tramp like me, you can," she joked unabashedly — and we love her for it. 13 of 25 2000 CBS/Landov Looking as doll-like as ever, a fuchsia-sporting Parton made an appearance on Bette Midler's eponymous sitcom. 13 Pink Makeup Looks That Aren't Just for Valentine's Day 14 of 25 2001 Retna With her flipped-out bob and striking makeup, the 55-year-old vixen was in a celebratory mood. She scored a critical smash with her bluegrass album, Little Sparrow. 15 of 25 2010 Rick Diamond/Getty Images "I'm in the public eye, so I don't care who knows what I get done," the ageless Parton said of her beauty regimen. "If I see something sagging, dragging or bagging, I get it sucked, tucked or plucked. It takes a lot of money to look as cheap as I look." The New Plastic Surgery Trend Is Bragging About It 16 of 25 2011 Beretta/Sims/startraksphoto.com For the release of her bluegrass album Better Day, Parton turned up the edge with a spiky, layered hairstyle. What can we say, it's modern mullet perfection. 17 of 25 2011 Bruce Glikas Parton is all dolled up at the Bonnie and Clyde musical on Broadway in New York City. Those blonde ribbon curls, lined lips, and multicolored eye makeup are quintessential Dolly. 18 of 25 2012 Albert L. Ortega Parton looked absolutely gorgeous with her hair and makeup on-point at the Los Angeles premiere of Joyful Noise. Her shimmery makeup and outfit show how we could all benefit from more sparkle in our lives. 19 of 25 2014 Scott Barbour Looking more warm blonde than ever, Parton made a visit to the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. How to Choose the Best Blonde for Your Skin Tone 20 of 25 2015 Jason LaVeris The cultural icon was all smiles at the premiere of Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors in Hollywood. Her bright pink lip only enhances the good times. 21 of 25 2016 Michael Loccisano/Getty She may have been in this business for over 50 years, but one thing clearly remains the same: her voluminous blonde hair, worn in layered curls to accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th annual CMA Awards. 22 of 25 2017 Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Parton put forth her signature blonde 'do at the 2017 SAG Awards and we wouldn't have it any other way. To accompany her graphic eye makeup and glossy nude lip, she went with a long-sleeve nude dress and a glowing necklace. 23 of 25 2018 Kevin Winter/Getty Images Our jaws dropped when Parton stepped out at the premiere of Netflix's Dumplin' looking as blonde and bright-eyed as ever. Her face-framing 'do is just darling — but that dress. Dolly Parton Myth-Busts the Most Persistent Rumors About Her 24 of 25 2019 Taylor Hill / Getty Images Attending the 53rd annual CMA Awards, the Queen of Nashville outshone us all — and not only in terms of star power. Her glossy lip, beaded dress, and diamond accouterments are eye-catching. Dolly Parton "Loves" This Drugstore Brand for Ageless Skin 25 of 25 2022 Frazer Harrison / WireImage Attending the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, this country star channels her inner rockstar. At 76, Parton looks better than ever — and knows exactly what works for her.