The queen of country is known for her hit singles as much as she is known for her over-the-top hair

Dolly Parton hair styles

Dolly Parton hair styles. Photo: Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty;Ron Galella Collection/Getty; GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty

Dolly Parton is known for many things: She’s a longstanding country music legend, she’s the pen behind “I Will Always Love You,” she’s a dedicated philanthropist and she’s a 10-time Grammy winner. Through all her accomplishments, Parton has always been the same one-of-a-kind superstar, thanks in part to her recognizable, rhinestone-studded look.

The singer has often fielded questions about her signature big hair, flashy nails and over-the-top outfits with nothing but humor, telling Entertainment Tonight in 2023, “Once somebody asked me, ‘How many wigs do you have?’ I said, ‘Well, I must have at least 365, because I wear one almost every day.’”

As we celebrate the icon’s 79th birthday on Jan. 19, 2025, look back at some of her most over-the-top hair moments over the years.

01of 12

Early Days

Photo of Porter WAGONER and Dolly PARTON

Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty

Dolly Parton came on the scene back in 1967. Above, she is pictured with former singing partner Porter Wagoner, with her winning smile and sky-high hair on full display.

02of 12

Portrait Queen

 Country singer Dolly Parton poses for a portrait in 1965 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dolly Parton portrait. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

We wonder how long it took to get this beehive and sideswept bangs so perfectly coiffed.

03of 12

Conducting Business

Portrait of Dolly Parton at the Holiday Inn in Chicago, Illinois, April 30, 1977.

Dolly Parton in 1977.Paul Natkin/Getty

The queen meant serious business — and that extended to her perfectly set curls.

04of 12

Blonde Ambition

Dolly Parton performs at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, Illinois, November 2, 1977.

Dolly Parton in 1977.Paul Natkin/Getty

She went with a high poof and loose curls for a 1977 performance.

05of 12

A Girl, Her Curls and a Guitar

Dolly Parton on 'Dolly' in 1987.

Dolly Parton in 1987.John Seakwood/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

She displayed some full-bodied curls while rocking light-wash denim, matching blue accessories and signature red nails.

06of 12

Big Hair, Big Heart

Oprah Winfrey and Dolly Parton on 'Dolly' in 1987.

Oprah Winfrey and Dolly Parton.Jerry Fitzgerald/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

She made the hair even bigger and curlier when she visited Oprah.

07of 12

Hanging with Friends

Jon Lovitz, Dolly Parton on 'Dolly' in 1987.

Jon Lovitz, Dolly Parton.Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

And swooped it to the side for this picture with Jon Lovitz.

08of 12

Divas Unite

Musician Dolly Parton with Miss Piggy on 'Dolly', 1988.

Dolly Parton with Miss Piggy.Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Even Miss Piggy had to bow to the queen when she pulled up with this perfectly laid ‘do.

09of 12

Meeting of the Minds

Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton circa 1981 in New York City

Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton circa 1981.Bettina Cirone/Images/Getty

Parton rocked a half-up, half-down curly and straight combo while hanging with Cyndi Lauper in 1981.

10of 12

Flower Power

 Musician Dolly Parton attends the Fifth Annual American Music Awards on January 16, 1978

Dolly Parton at the AMAs in 1978.Ron Galella Collection/Getty

It may seem the “Jolene” singer toned it down a peg for the 1978 American Music Awards …

11of 12

Showing Off

Musician Dolly Parton attends the Fifth Annual American Music Awards on January 16, 1978

Dolly Parton at the AMAs in 1978.Ron Galella Collection/Getty

… but Dolly Parton and “toning down” just don’t go together.

12of 12

Late Night Guest

 Dolly Parton during an interview with host Jay Leno on October 9, 2003

Dolly Parton with host Jay Leno. Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

She incorporated some hair ties to create this unique look she wore to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.