NEWSDolly Parton Through the Years: See the Queen of Country's Transformation
Dolly Parton was open and honest about undergoing plastic surgery throughout her life.
Sept. 7 2026, Published 6:00 p.m. ET
Dolly Parton maintained the signature look and glamorous style she was known for throughout her life.
Over the years, the Queen of Country Music spoke openly about undergoing cosmetic procedures to achieve what she once described as a "town tramp" look.
Despite changes to her appearance, Parton told The Guardian in an interview, "This is just who I am! It's like what I always say: I may look fake but I'm real where it counts. Ha ha ha!"
Scroll down to see Parton's distinctive transformation through the years.
1976
Dolly Parton left behind an extraordinary legacy following her death.
Parton already exuded her signature, showstopping allure in the early years of her career.
1980
Dolly Parton died on August 25.
The "Jolene" songstress looked pretty in pink as she showed off her signature bleach-blonde look in a snap taken in the 1980s.
1999
She was 80 at the time of her death.
During the 33rd Annual CMA Awards, Parton won over the crowd with a heartfelt performance while rocking a sparkly royal blue minidress.
2000
The Queen of Country passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton looked every inch the star at the 75th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.
2001
Dolly Parton had also faced health issues before her death.
The "I Will Always Love You" hitmaker showcased her effortlessly elegant beauty after being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.
2003
She was laid to rest on August 28.
Parton treated fans to a heartfelt performance during the 37th Annual .
2004
Dolly Parton was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.
Beautiful in white! Parton performed a stirring number for the crowd at the 2004 CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards.
2005
She had previously revealed the song she wanted played at her funeral.
Appearing radiant, the singer-songwriter belted out her hit tracks at the 2005 CMA Music Festival.
2006
Dolly Parton said the track was her 'daddy's favorite.'
Parton made a refined entrance at the 78th Annual Academy Awards, wearing a custom baby-pink gown that highlighted her recognizable figure.
2009
Her Imagination Library was created as a tribute to her father.
A dedicated philanthropist, the music icon spoke at a special National Press Club luncheon in 2009.
2010
Dolly Parton's parents died in the early 2000s.
Parton was all smiles while posing for the camera at the premiere of 9 to 5: The Musical at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville.
2011
The country icon grew up alongside her 11 siblings.
She embraced her playful side at the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul in New York City. For the event, the Grammy-winning singer opted for an edgy black ensemble paired with matching boots.
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2012
Dolly Parton requested a small, private funeral service attended only by family.
Parton showcased her signature silhouette in a form-fitting white dress at a 2012 event.
2014
The Grand Ole Opry honored Dolly Parton with a special tribute show.
Parton melted hearts during the second night of her Blue Smoke World Tour in January 2014.
2015
Dolly Parton had been an Opry member for nearly 60 years.
For the red carpet premiere of Coat of Many Colors, Parton chose a vibrant patchwork dress that nodded to both the television movie and the song that inspired its title.
2016
She was first introduced to the Opry audience in 1959.
Parton was a complete head-turner at the 24th Annual Movieguide Awards.
2017
The tribute show was held on August 29.
The award-winning singer delighted fans when she announced the Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in 2017.
2018
Several musicians took part in honoring Dolly Parton.
Parton was a stunner as she spearheaded the grand opening of Dollywood's 2018 season.
2019
Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll performed '9 to 5' during the tribute show.
In 2019, the "Here You Come Again" songstress slipped into a white-and-gold long-sleeve dress for the MusiCares Person of the Year gala.
2021
Dolly Parton died more than a year after the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
Hot pink! Parton appeared in a bright and striking dress at a 2021 show.
2022
Carl Dean died on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.
Parton stepped out in a showstopping metallic gown at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards.
2023
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married for nearly six decades.
At the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, Parton swept into the event wearing a sparkly fringe dress with a plunging V-neckline.
2024
The couple never had children together.
Parton took center stage at 2024 CMA Fest in June 2024. She was photographed donning a curve-hugging white jumpsuit that fully embodied her signature "country-glam" style.
2025
Dolly Parton is survived by six of her siblings.
Parton made during her symphonic concert series, Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony.
