Unlikely Inspiration: Style Lessons from Dolly Parton

No, I have not gone crazy. Hear me out. The other day, I was watching Dolly Parton being interviewed on the Today Show. She and Savannah had a delightful banter going. Dolly just released her 42nd album. What I found even more impressive is that she has been married for 48 years to a man she met 50 years ago. She also had a terrific way of not taking herself too seriously. When Savannah asked if her husband liked her music, she said, “No, but he loves me.” They talked about her style, too. She is known for being heavily made up and for her “over the top” outfits and wigs. When asked if people are surprised when they see her looking like a regular gal around town, she basically said that never happens.

Dolly Parton on Today Show 5/13 source Today.com
Dolly Parton on Today Show 5/13 source Today.com

When I came home, I saw an article on Today’s website entitled 5 Style Lessons We Can Learn from Dolly Parton.  Here is an excerpt:

1. Keep on going: If you feel like giving in and succumbing to a life lived in sweats and watching Hulu, we hear ya. But Dolly, even at age 68, won’t let a few decades get in the way of her extensive routines. She has publicly vowed not to retire unless forced to and that she’ll be wearing makeup and sky-high heels even when pushed around in a wheelchair.

2. Ignore the trends: Sure her hair can house the Duggars, and her flashy wardrobe can rival the lights of Vegas, but Dolly is owning it — and ladies, that’s all that matters. Wear what you want, when you want, and leave the fads to the Forever 21 tweens.

A lot of people have said I’d have probably done better in my career if I hadn’t looked so cheap and gaudy,” Parton said earlier this year. “But I dress to be comfortable for me, and you shouldn’t be blamed because you want to look pretty.”

3. More can be more: If you love something, pile it on. Parton is no stranger to bright rouge, big wigs and a generous chest (“I’ve made a fortune with ’em,” she claims).

4. Have some humor: Parton certainly isn’t shy about the fact that she gets a little help; she doesn’t wake up looking like the Parton we see on stage. From her body shape to her voluminous platinum mane, Parton is confident enough to poke fun at her high maintenance, which is refreshingly adorable. As she once famously declared: “People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know; I’m never there.”

5. Do what makes you feel good: In an industry shrouded with so much secrecy regarding plastic surgery, Parton is quick to divulge that she’s a gal who gets some work done, going so far as to joke that there’s no such thing as natural beauty.

And, the best beauty tip Parton has to offer? “Smile. It increases your face value.” Amen to that!

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