Like a rhinestone cowgirl – Dolly Parton’s most glorious, joyful and meta looks

Across six decades, the late country singer and pop culture icon turned self‑presentation into a flamboyant art form Don’t get Fashion Statement delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Dolly Parton may have had a record 25 US country No 1 singles, released 66 studio albums and earned six Golden Globe nominations, among many other achievements, but the Tennessee-born star also had an incredible number of fashion moments. “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap”, she famously quipped when asked about her style. As we bid her farewell, six Guardian writers reflect on their favourite Dolly looks. ‘About as far from the Glastonbury aesthetic as it is possible to get’ Head-to-toe white rhinestones, long red fingernails strumming a matching white bejewelled guitar. Teased platinum wig, blue eyeshadow. About as far from the Glastonbury aesthetic as it is possible to get, but on that Sunday afternoon in 2014, a 180,000 strong crowd fell in love with Dolly. Her charm, her wit, her voice, and just the pure ballsy goodness of her. In her own words: “Don’t judge me by the cover, ’cause I’m a real good book.” Amen. Jess Cartner-Morley, associate editor (fashion) ‘She pr