Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer and songwriter, has revealed that her grandfather, who was a preacher, used to whip and scold her for her fashion choices when she was young. Parton, who is known for her flamboyant style and rhinestone outfits, said that she was inspired by the “town tramp” who wore tight skirts, high heels, and bright red lipstick.
Parton’s Early Style Inspiration
Parton, who is set to release her new album Rockstar and her book Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones this month, told The Guardian that she always admired the “town tramp” who was a woman who dressed differently from the rest of the people in her hometown.
“She was flamboyant. She had bright red lipstick, long red fingernails,” Parton said. “She had high-heeled shoes, little floating plastic goldfish in the heels of them, short skirts, low-cut tops, and I just thought she was beautiful.”
Parton said that people would call the woman “nothing but trash”, but she would say, “Well, that’s what I’m gonna be when I grow up.”
Parton’s Grandfather’s Reaction
Parton’s grandfather, who was a preacher, did not approve of her style choices and would punish her physically and verbally for them. Parton said that he would whip and scold her for wearing makeup and revealing clothes.
“I was willing to pay for it,” Parton said. “I’m very sensitive, I didn’t like being disciplined – it hurt my feelings so bad to be scolded or whipped or whatever. But sometimes there’s just that part of you that’s willing, if you want something bad enough, to go for it.”
Parton said that she did not let her grandfather’s discipline stop her from pursuing her dreams and expressing herself through her fashion.
Parton’s Iconic Look and Legacy
Parton has become one of the most successful and influential artists in the history of country music, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. She has also been recognized for her philanthropy, especially for her literacy program Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton’s look has also become iconic and distinctive, with her signature blond wigs, colorful outfits, and sparkling accessories. She has often said that she does not care what people think of her appearance and that she is confident in who she is.
“I’m very real, where it counts, and that’s inside,” Parton told Barbara Walters in a 1977 interview.
Parton’s new book Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones will celebrate her style and fashion choices over the years. Her new album Rockstar will feature collaborations with many well-known artists such as Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Lizzo, and Chris Stapleton.
