Nashville: At a lively studio in Tennessee, Dolly Parton shares personal stories behind her treasured jewellery, including her original wedding ring. This event coincides with exciting new collaborations and holiday video projects, highlighting the enduring impact of this beloved cultural icon in the arts and beyond.
At a studio in Nashville, Tennessee, an unassuming entrance leads to a vibrant world centred around the legendary figure of Dolly Parton. The studio, nestled within an industrial park adjacent to a pool builders supply warehouse, offers no immediate hints of Dolly’s star power. However, the cars in the parking lot, many sporting vanity plates adorned with the celebrated Country music icon’s portrait, signal the presence of a unique talent whose influence extends far beyond music.
Dolly Parton’s creative director, Steve Summers, who has been with her for nearly two decades, welcomed guests to the sound stage. Summers and his team are the masterminds behind Dolly’s extensive wardrobe, which often comprises over 300 outfits each year. Their current project involves creating promotional holiday videos for a talk show while also highlighting a new collaboration with jewellery designer Kendra Scott. The day’s activities take place amidst festive decorations, prominently featuring a snow-dusted Christmas tree.
Kendra Scott herself expressed her excitement about working with Dolly, reflecting on her childhood admiration for the star. “It’s still surreal to me, the whole thing just blows my mind that we’re getting to work together,” Scott said. The collection, inspired by Dolly’s 1974 hit, “Love is Like a Butterfly,” is now available online and in Kendra Scott stores, with more themed releases planned for the next three years.
Upon entering the studio, Dolly Parton was already present, accompanied by a selection of jewellery from her personal collection. Clad in a striking white leather jumpsuit adorned with rhinestones and complemented by custom Christian Louboutin stilettos, the aura surrounding Dolly was undeniably captivating. She engaged warmly, sharing her thoughts as the room listened intently to her reflections on cherished pieces from her extensive jewellery collection.
Among the items she showcased was her original wedding ring, purchased from Sears in 1966 on a credit account held by her mother-in-law. “I was never willing to change them for a bigger stone,” she recounted, highlighting the personal significance of the ring, which she later restored after losing a stone.
Dolly presented various pieces, including a custom star ring she described as her “first indulgence” once she felt established as a star. The collection also featured an assortment of butterfly brooches gifted by fans over the years, which she proudly elaborated on. “I cannot throw anything away that the fans give me,” she said, asserting the deep connection she feels with her audience.
She displayed a family charm necklace, an emblem of her affection for her family, with charms representing each of her twelve siblings. A platinum butterfly ring crafted by her long-time manager celebrated a decade of their partnership, while a newly-made anniversary wedding ring marked her 50 years of marriage—true expressions of her lifelong bond with her husband, Carl.
Dolly Parton continues to be a prominent figure, not only in music but also as a cultural icon with a legacy that intertwines artistry with personal narratives. Her engagement with her fans and her contributions to various charitable causes, such as her Imagination Library, have solidified her place in both the hearts of many and the history of American entertainment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
