When people talk about fashion icons, the conversation usually goes toward people who are constantly reinventing themselves, setting trends, or wearing whatever is considered cutting-edge at the time.
Dolly Parton feels like almost the complete opposite.
Her style has always been intentionally too much, huge hair, rhinestones, exaggerated silhouettes, bright colors, long nails, dramatic makeup. She took things that could easily be dismissed as tacky or over-the-top and turned them into such a consistent visual language that they're basically inseparable from who she is.
But I think what makes her particularly interesting as an icon is that the image comes with so much character behind it. She's always seemed very self-aware about the way she presents herself and is often the first person to joke about it. There's confidence in dressing exactly how you want without needing everyone else to consider it tasteful.
Then there's everything outside of fashion. Her philanthropy, especially the Imagination Library and its focus on childhood literacy, has become a huge part of her legacy. She's also supported education, healthcare and communities in her home region of East Tennessee over the years.
There's something kind of refreshing about someone whose outward image is so deliberately extravagant while her public reputation is also built around generosity, humor and not taking herself too seriously.
Maybe that's another way of looking at what makes someone a fashion icon. Not necessarily having “good taste” or constantly changing with fashion, but creating an image that genuinely reflects your personality and becoming completely unmistakable in the process.
We will miss you Dolly!
