Dolly Parton: Queen of Wigs, Style Icon, and Music Legend

Dolly Parton is a true icon whose talent, charm, and signature style have captivated fans for decades. Beyond her legendary voice and chart-topping hits, Dolly's larger-than-life personality and impeccable fashion sense have made her a beloved figure around the world. From her sparkling performances to her philanthropic efforts, she continues to inspire admiration and respect.

One of the most memorable aspects of her look is her iconic hair, which has become as legendary as her music. Let's dive into Dolly Parton's world and explore her connection with wigs, her style secrets, and the timeless charm that makes her truly unforgettable.

Why does Dolly Parton Wear Wigs?

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, USA. Known primarily for her decades-long career in country music, Dolly Parton is known as a "country music legend" and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

Dolly Parton's success is not only in music but also in film and television, she has appeared in movies such as "9 to 5," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," and "Steel Magnolias." She has proven herself time and time again. But Dolly is truly famous not only for her legendary talent or bosom but also for her trademark tousled wigs.
 
If you're a fan, you know that Dolly Parton wears a wig almost year-round, and the singer's passion for big hair dates back to her teenage years, when Parton was often obsessed with photos from the Frederick Hollywood catalog.

In her book "Songteller, My Life in Lyrics," Dolly shares that as a teenager, she always dreamed of being able to afford and wear a wig at some point in her life. Growing up, she always wore her hair beautifully and eventually wore her favorite wig.

She also revealed that the reason she wears wigs is not only because she likes them but also because her own hair is so fine and flat that she can't style it the way she wants.

She once said, "I used to try to comb my hair as big as I liked, and then I used bleach or something like that, and it broke." "My hair never looked exactly the way I wanted it to," she said. "Why didn't I wear a wig?" "My hair wouldn't be bad for a day." Patton recalls. "So wigs became my trademark."

Her look has changed over the years: in the 1960s, she wore tousled hair; in the 1970s, she shifted to styles with feathers and teasing; and several times, she went from high buns to long styles. The icon absolutely loved her wigs, and even today, she never really gives up her big, sexy blonde wigs. She always said that her wig was flattering and that it suited her best when she wore it. Through it all, she has classic hair.
 
It is safe to say that Dolly Parton has hundreds of custom wigs. On the red carpet of a Netflix series called "The Heartstrings of Dolly Parton," the country singer confirmed that she actually owns hundreds of wigs. She said she wears one every day, so she has at least 365. But when she runs out of wigs, she either sells them at auction to buy new ones or donates them to her museum in Tennessee.

Dolly Parton Without Wig

It's hard to imagine Dolly without her iconic hairstyle, but she does offer some vintage photos without it, and she looks gorgeous.

In 2018, she posted a vintage peek-a-boo photo of her in the studio on her Instagram. The photo Patton posted on Instagram was in black and white, so we can't be sure what color it was. But the hair icon confirmed in an interview that her natural hair color is sandy blonde, although it may not be that color now.

"My hair is the same color as my wig," Patton said. Her natural hair is not voluminous or particularly curly like her signature wig. In fact, it's not very big at all. Instead, Patton's natural hair exudes a soft, elegant vibe.

In 2020, she shared the same snapshot again from a different angle, which caused quite a bit of confusion as fans flocked to comment on how great her natural hair looked. "You look 10 years younger without the wig," one fan wrote on Instagram. "Dolly is as beautiful as she looks right now," another chimed in. Wig or no wig, Dolly Parton always looks the same.

Dolly Parton Real Hair

Every part of Dolly Parton's legendary look has been carefully crafted. Although she was more careful not to flaunt her natural hair, she still chose the color and length intentionally. In addition to matching the color of her hair to her wig, she let it go past her shoulders for easier styling. "That way I can pull it up with a little hair tie," she shared.

The "I Will Always Love You" singer is a natural blonde who has been experimenting with her hair color for years. But as much as Dolly likes to wear wigs on stage and when she's out and about, you won't always see a platinum blonde. She doesn't always wear a wig in her everyday life, “but I always wear my hair up. I still love that shiny hair.”

When she's at home, wigs hardly ever make an appearance in her closet. When I'm at home, I wear my little hair tie, but I always wear a little makeup to make my hair look as cute as possible," she added in the interview.
 
Dolly Parton's wigs are a big part of her iconic look, and fans have been trying to replicate some of the styles she wears for years, so it made sense for the singer to develop a line of wigs.

She created her own fashion line, including wigs." It's one of my dreams - makeup, hair, wigs, clothes, all of that," she says. But no matter what, the 77-year-old will always be the queen of wigs.

FAQs About Dolly Parton

1. How old is Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, which makes her 79 years old. Despite her age, she continues to perform, create, and inspire fans worldwide.

2. What is Dolly Parton's net worth?

As of 2025, Dolly Parton’s net worth is estimated at $650 million, thanks to her decades-long music career, acting roles, business ventures, and smart investments.

3. Why is Dolly Parton famous?

Dolly is a legendary country music artist, singer-songwriter, and actress. She is known for her chart-topping hits, like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” and iconic roles in movies such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.

4. Does Dolly Parton wear wigs?

Yes, Dolly wears wigs almost daily and in performance. Her natural hair is not as full as the wig she is wearing, so wigs allow her to achieve her signature big, voluminous hairstyles for concerts and public appearances.

5. How many wigs does Dolly Parton own?

It’s estimated that Dolly owns hundreds of custom wigs. She rotates them throughout the year and often donates or auctions them when she gets new ones.

6. What is Dolly Parton's natural hair color?

Dolly’s natural hair is sandy blonde. Her iconic platinum blonde wig has become her trademark, but her real hair is softer and less voluminous.

7. What other businesses is Dolly Parton involved in?

Dolly has a variety of business ventures, including her Dollywood theme park, a fashion line with wigs and makeup, and philanthropy projects like the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.