Dolly Parton redefined what women could do in country music. She followed triumphantly in the shoes of Patsy Cline and forged her own more progressive path forward. Her decades-spanning career influenced generations of singers, songwriters and performers. The country legend, who passed away at 80, did not just change popular music forever; she was also quite a humanitarian, donating books to children and giving back to communities in countlessly generous ways.
Her music videos were particularly impactful, pushing the boundaries of style and poise in extraordinary ways. From her higher-than-heaven hair ‘do to rhinestone denim and red pant suits, she knew a thing or two about crafting perfect visuals to go along with her biggest hits. In memoriam, here are Parton’s five most glamorous videos.
‘9 to 5’
A Dolly Parton list isn’t complete without one of her most iconic songs. “9 to 5,” the theme song of the 1980 comedy of the same name, co-starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, features glam working women clacking their heels on the pavement. While Parton sits through the video, she wears a slick pair of denim and a red-hot top. Her makeup equally pops and drives home the fact that she was an absolute stunner.
‘Why’d You Come in Here’
Her 1989 hit song “Why’d You Come in Here” is steamy in its own right, but the accompanying music video turns the heat up to 11. Parton plays herself, as she auditions men to star in the video. Men step before her and try to convince her that they’re the leading man for the job. Some come decked out in cowboy gear, while others some shirtless. Parton later struts out in a rhinestone-studded denim outfit like she is performing for her life. No one pulled off an all-denim outfit like Dolly Parton.
‘Here You Come Again’
Parton took the stage in one of her best, most eclectic music videos, giving her a chance to really show off in a performance-style visual. For “Here You Come Again,” she dons an elegant, sequined and heavily fringed silver gown that trembles as she performs. The sticky-sweet love song has never seemed more stylish. She knew exactly how to turn heads.
‘Eagle When She Flies’
The tear-jerking ballad showcases the power of women and features celebrities such as Oprah, as well as everyday working women like firefighters and police officers. The images are intercut with Parton in various dresses, from a wedding-style gown to a glimmering crystal dress with matching earrings. Even when she is making the listener cry, she does not skimp on the glamour.
‘Better Get to Livin”
In her “Better Get to Livin'” music video, Parton plays a circus ringleader under a big top tent. Her hair is perfectly lush and big, and her sequins never caught so much spotlight. Parton swaggers across the stage before throngs of howling, applauding circus-goers, stunning them with her taut performance. Tremendous presence characterized much of Parton’s ability to bring her recorded music to vibrate new life. And this is just one of many examples.
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Dolly Parton’s 5 Most Glamorous Music Videos