We Can't Get Over These Amazing Photos of a Young Dolly Parton

It's no secret that we adore Dolly Parton, and we're certainly not alone in our appreciation for the 77-year-old songstress. While her music captured the heart of her legions of fans and we're drawn to her keen sense of humor and compassionate spirit, we couldn't possibly mention the 10-time Grammy Award winner without a nod to her iconic fashion sense. We're talking big hair, loads of sequins, and bold makeup. It's safe to say she's come a long way since her childhood in Sevier County, Tennessee.

Dolly's new book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, comes out in October. The book includes 450 photographs, and she promises to share with fans the story behind her love for fashion and how she developed her style. A month later, her new album, Rockstar, will be released. Dolly continues to surprise us, and we truly can't wait to see what's next for our favorite superstar. Here's a look back at some of epic fashion moments from her early years.

1951

Even at 5 years old, Dolly always found the camera.

Photograph, People, Snapshot, Child, Photography, Black-and-white, Family, Monochrome, History, Smile,
Barr/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock

1955

How adorable is 9-year-old Dolly? This portrait was taken back when she was growing up in East Tennessee, a time depicted in her made-for-TV movie, Coat of Many Colors.

Photograph, Retro style, Vintage clothing, Black-and-white, Child, Smile, Photography, Portrait, Sitting, Monochrome,
Getty

1960

Here's Dolly at age 14, when she attended Sevier County High School.

Face, Hair, Photograph, Eyebrow, Forehead, Chin, Portrait, Hairstyle, Smile, Lip,
Barr/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock

1965

Even at 19, when she posed for this photo in Nashville, Dolly's hair was legendary.

Hair, Face, Hairstyle, Eyebrow, Chin, Retro style, Forehead, Bob cut, Lip, Blond,
Getty

1967

Dolly and her former musical partner, Porter Wagoner. The pair performed together for more than seven years on The Porter Wagoner Show and recorded several albums together.

Photograph, Music, Guitar, String instrument, Black-and-white, Musician, String instrument, Monochrome photography, Monochrome, Plucked string instruments,
Getty

1968

This is another candid shot of Dolly with Porter Wagoner in Nashville.

Hair, Photograph, People, Hairstyle, Black-and-white, Human, Monochrome, Retro style, Monochrome photography, Photography,
Getty

Late 1960s

Dolly channeled some hippie vibes in the 1960s.

Hair, Hairstyle, Vintage clothing, Forehead, Retro style, Long hair, Neck, Portrait, Black hair,
Barr/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock

1970

24-year-old Dolly was as gorgeous as ever.

Hair, Blond, Photograph, Hairstyle, Facial expression, Eyebrow, Lip, Beauty, Chin, Smile,
Getty

1970

Dolly was a show-stopper in red when she was photographed in California.

Hair, Blond, Hairstyle, Chin, Lip, Beauty, Eyebrow, Ringlet, Smile, Forehead,
Getty

1972

By 1972, her iconic look was starting to take shape.

Hair, Eyebrow, Photograph, Hairstyle, Blond, Beauty, Lip, Black-and-white, Chin, Forehead,
Getty

1974

With a butterfly embroidered on the sleeve and her name on her pant leg, this outfit is classic Dolly.

Black, Black-and-white, Sitting, Monochrome, Photography, Monochrome photography, Leg, Retro style, Style, Vintage clothing,
Getty

1974

Dolly takes the stage with her acoustic guitar.

1974 country singer dolly parton performs onstage with an acoustic guitar in circa 1974 photo by michael ochs archivesgetty images
Michael Ochs Archives

1975

Dolly's sunny disposition matches her yellow dress in this mid-1970s photo.

los angeles circa 1975 country singer dolly parton performs onstage wearing a yellow dress, circa 1975, los angeles, california photo by michael ochs archivesgetty images
Michael Ochs Archives

1975

Still, she always stayed a country girl at heart.

Photograph, Black-and-white, Retro style, Monochrome, Monochrome photography, Beauty, Hat, Hairstyle, Smile, Vintage clothing,
Getty

1976

A true beauty with perfectly coifed hair, as we've come to expect.

circa 1976 country singer dolly parton poses for a portrait in circa 1976 photo by michael ochs archivesgetty images
Michael Ochs Archives

1976

Patchwork bell bottoms and a crochet top make an epic statement at the London Airport.

dolly parton seen here at london airport 16th april 1976
Mirrorpix

1977

Even when wearing a casual look, Dolly managed to look glam.

Jeans, Botany, Blond, Outerwear, Footwear, Grass, Tree, Denim, Riding boot, Jacket,
Barr/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock

1977

Dolly sparkled while attending an event in Los Angeles.

Hair, Face, Hairstyle, Eyebrow, Head, Lip, Blond, Fashion, Cool, Black hair,
Getty

1977

Here's a 31-year-old Dolly at the Fourth Annual American Music Awards in Santa Monica, California.

Hair, Blond, Hairstyle, Eyebrow, Lip, Forehead, Retro style, Headgear, Fashion accessory, Headpiece,
Getty

1977

Dolly and a banjo: What a magical sight.

dolly parton 1977 photo by chris walterwireimage
Chris Walter

1978

Dolly's larger-than-life persona comes through in this late 1970s photo.

dolly parton 1978 photo by chris walterwireimage
Chris Walter

1978

Dolly poses arm-in-arm with singer Emmylou Harris and tailor-to-the-stars Nudie Cohn.

emmylou harris, nudie cohn and dolly parton 1978 photo by chris walterwireimage
Chris Walter

1978

Pretty in pink doesn't begin to describe this portrait.

promorional portrait of american musician and actress dolly parton, 1978 photo by cbs photo archivegetty images
CBS Photo Archive

1979

This look (the makeup! the hair! the sequins!) is almost too good.

new york circa 1979 dolly parton circa 1979 in new york city photo by raoulimagesgetty images
Images Press

1979

Dolly's royal blue outfit has a butterfly: her signature motif.

dolly parton in 1979
CBS Photo Archive

1980

We wouldn't be surprised to see Dolly rock this same ensemble today!

unspecified january 01 photo of dolly parton photo by rbredferns
RB

1980

Dolly's glam look from the 9-to-5 premiere left us speechless.

new york, ny circa 1981 dolly parton circa 1981 in new york city photo by robin platzerimagesgetty images
Images Press

1985

Dolly took the stage at a Cornell Medical Center benefit at the Waldorf Astoria.

country musician and vocalist dolly parton performing at the new york hospital cornell medical center benefit held at the waldorf astoria on march 3, 1985 photo by fairchild archivepenske media via getty images
Fairchild Archive

1987

Here, Dolly waves from the set of Dolly, her variety series.

dolly parton waving in 1987
ABC Photo Archives

1987

Dolly is a true 1980s queen in this denim outfit with extra-long red nails.

Want more? Check out these 45 vintage photos every Dolly Parton fan needs to see.

dolly parton on dolly in 1987 photo by john seakwooddisney general entertainment content via getty images
ABC Photo Archives

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