We Can't Stop Thinking About These 28 Legendary Looks from Dolly Parton

Singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist Dolly Parton is quite an anomaly as she is beloved by people of all generations, races, and backgrounds—a feat which becomes seemingly more impossible with each passing year. As we celebrate her 75th birthday today, there are so many reasons why she remains as cherished as ever, from her inspiring rags-to-riches upbringing to her charitable donations that helped fund Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in late 2020. However, one of the most notable reasons to love Dolly Parton is her uniquely individual sense of style.

We're highlighting Parton's most classic and colorful looks—along with her style evolution that saw a shift from breezy pastel ensembles in the '60s and '70s to bold sequins and sparkles in the '80s that influence her style today.

Prior to the release of her first number one hit, "Joshua," Parton was gaining notoriety for her songwriting, beautiful voice, and those amazing curls.

Dolly Parton and Andy Warhol crossed paths several times throughout her career, and she most notably inspired his 1985 portrait of the singer. Here, at a Windows on the World event in New York City, she likely had the biggest hair in all of Manhattan.

While performing at a Windows on the World in New York City in the '70s, Dolly is a vision in a flowing, pink gown with sequin embellishments.

In 1977, Dolly Parton had climbed the charts with hits like "Jolene, "I Will Always Love You," and "Coat of Many Colors." She was on the cusp of making the transition to pop-country crossovers as more leaders in the industry began to realize her star potential. Here, she sparkles at an RCA party with iconic agent Lee Solters.

Dolly Parton was rocking the pantsuit long before it was cool, and one of her first takes on the ensemble is classic Dolly: bell sleeves, floral embellishments, and Barbie pink with a pair of oversize hoop earrings..

Early on in Dolly's career, the singer stuck mostly to pastels—unlike the vibrant colors we're used to seeing on her today. This breezy ensemble feels reminiscent of a simpler life back home in Tennessee, elevated with a bright purple belt and delicate beading.

This now-iconic photo was taken for a cover session at an L.A. studio in 1978 and became the cover of her "Heartbreaker" album featuring the eponymous hit single. Layers of lace and pink chiffon give her a soft look.

Parton plays at The Dominion Theatre in London all dressed up in colorful, beaded fringe. By this time in 1983, Parton had extended her fanbase worldwide after collaborations with singers like Olivia Newton-John, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. However, her fame was cemented after starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in "9 to 5."

Long before she released "Backwoods Barbie" in 2008, Dolly Parton is the living embodiment of the term with her blonde hair, bright pink, and country flair. This 1977 outfit she wore at The Grammys introduced her new style era that took place in the '80s.

Throughout the '70s, Parton's style was relatively laid-back and, well, toned down. She always put a feminine touch on everything she wore, and this lacy blouse echoes her country roots in a chic way at an early '80s press event in London.

While she may not be known as much for wearing yellow over white or pink, this has been a popular color choice for the singer over the years. It was during the '80s that Parton began to develop her vibrant, larger-than-life style that matched her lovable persona.

While Dolly Parton had released more than a dozen albums before 1980's "9 to 5," this was her first movie role. For the premiere, Dolly hired costume designer Ann Roth to create a red carpet-worthy gown. Dolly told People that this was the first time she truly felt fashionable after nearly 15 years of limelight.

The over-the-top style trends of the 1980s helped fuel Dolly's eccentric glamour, as she dug deeper into sequins, satin, and shoulder pads. Here, she poses for a photo shoot from her ABC variety show, "Dolly," which aired from 1987-1988.

Dolly dazzles here in a brick red dress embellished with a variety of golden accents for a performance on "The Johnny Carson Show." She plays up the country-fied style of the 1970s in a more modern way for the '80s.

This now-famous portrait was taken for Parton's film, "Rhinestone," where she starred alongside Sylvester Stallone. The pair earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following the film's release even though it was considered a flop.

Dolly looks cozy and chic in a fur coat at a premiere in Edinburgh, Scotland. The singer is most-always found in voluptuous makeup and hoop earrings.

Parton and an all-star cast consisting of Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Sally Fields, and Julia Roberts shine at an event promoting Steel Magnolias. An all-white, beaded dress ensures Dolly stands out like no one else.

Dolly Parton joins in on Fall Fashion Week fun in 1994 with legendary designer Calvin Klein.

Here, at a 2011 event with country singer-songwriter Marty Stuart, Dolly reimagines what the pantsuit can be with colorful beading in a botanical motif.

We don't see Dolly wearing this color often, but when she does, she makes sure to do so with her bedazzled flair. A fringe jacket, gold jewelry, and black pants with gold designs ensure she is as glitzy as ever—even in black.

Dolly shines in this bohemian-style dress with beautiful floral embroidery upon being named the ambassador of the Tennessee Film and Music in 2002.

Dolly Parton dazzles the crown with an all-white ensemble (and matching guitar!) in Perth, Australia. Her uniform is often a simple blouse with a beaded vest and pants for comfortable glamour.

Here, Parton's dress pays homage to one of her most beloved songs, "Coat of Many Colors," inspired by her own childhood experience. This beaded rainbow overlay with rhinestones is Dolly at her finest.

Yet again reinventing the pantsuit, Parton shines in this white outfit with lace bell-bottom pants. While the singer still wears plenty of bold colors, she has gravitated back towards neutral colors again in the last two decades.

Dolly delights the audience at the 23rd Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2017. Here, country glamour is perfected with this beaded, lacy ensemble in a peachy-keen hue.

A hue Parton returns to again and again, she always manages to look extra-special in this bubblegum pink. Accepting the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award from the Academy of Country Music, Dolly exudes Southern charm and beauty in this floral, beaded gown.

Dolly Parton continues to push the boundaries of style and glamour with this beaded, fringe-laden tracksuit and matching pumps on an episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2019.

This glorious gown highlights Dolly at her best in a sparkling, all-white ensemble worn at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards in 2019. As much as sparkles have become a hallmark of the singer's style, her big heart has become a hallmark of her legacy that is sure to endure for generations.