During the conversation, Parton reveals the inspiration behind her signature style, rooted in the fashion of a local woman known as the “town tramp.” However, her unique style faced resistance from her own family, including her sharecropper father and preacher grandfather, who disapproved and even resorted to physical discipline.
Discussing her resolute commitment to her style, Parton says, “I was willing to pay for it. I’m sensitive and detested being disciplined; it hurt my feelings profoundly. But when you desire something deeply enough, there’s a part of you willing to pursue it.”
Criticism extended beyond her family; record-label executives often urged her to tone down her style early in her career. Yet, Dolly Parton remained unswervingly true to herself, guided by her mother’s counsel to ‘be true to oneself,’ finding strength in this philosophy.
Adding a touch of humor, Parton reflects on her fashion missteps, saying, ‘At the time, you think you look good, but when you look back on it, you wonder, what was I thinking?’
