Dolly Parton will be releasing a new Christmas album and book, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, on November 17th. Dolly has been a country music icon for six decades. Over those decades there have been a lot of tabloid generated conspiracies and rumors about Dolly and her life, mainly about her large breasts and the trouble they are causing, which she says are not true.
Dolly is confirming a rumor about having tattoos. She spoke directly to People magazine, explaining that she is not a tattoo girl but that she has a few inked on her body. Dolly said that her tattoos are artful and pretty and she usually gets them to cover a scar or remind her of a good memory. Here are some excerpts:
“I do have some tattoos, that’s true,” the country music legend — and feminist icon — tells PEOPLE exclusively. “But they’re tasteful. I’m not a tattoo girl.”
“My tattoos are pretty, they’re artful and they usually started out to cover some scar, not to make a big statement,” she says. “Ribbons and bows and butterflies are the things that I have. I was very sick for a while and I had to wear a feeding tube. It left a little indention in my side and I didn’t like it because I’m so fair that scars turn purple on me.”
She said she decided to make something beautiful from an ugly experience. “I like to make positives out of negatives. I had a little beehive tattooed over it — a little yellow-and-brown beehive with a tiny little bee on top of the hive. The mouth of it is that little sinkhole.”
When asked if she inked her husband of 54 years, Carl Dean, on her body somewhere she says, “No, he’s tattooed on my heart.” Parton laughs and adds, “Who knows, I may get some more later. I may just have to get covered with tattoos just so everybody could be right!”
[From People]
Dolly Parton has always been one of my favorite country singers since I was a kid. I remember watching her in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and 9 to 5. I just always loved her spunk and that southern drawl. I know I will buy that Christmas album and I hope Reba McEntire or the Judds drop an album soon too because classic country is where it is at.
I feel Dolly when she said she wasn’t a tattoo girl. I wasn’t but now I have three tattoos. The first one I got when I was 19 and I regret getting it because it is tackily placed (I will not confirm or deny where). But the two that I got in Thailand have a lot of meaning for me. I plan to get several more. I would love to see Dolly’s butterflies and beehive tattoos because there is something about those two insects that I find so feminine. I have wanted my versions of the two tattooed somewhere near my dragonfly tattoo on my left arm.
It was also cute that she said that she hasn’t tattooed her husband Carl Dean of 54 years anywhere on her body because he is tattooed on her heart. Aawww…
Did I miss a story about Dolly being seriously sick enough for a feeding tube? 2020 cannot have her, we must protect Dolly at all costs!!
The story of her being covered in tattoos does bring a smile to my face even if it isn’t true.
Dolly has had some health issues. She has mentioned female-related issues that happened years ago (early 1980s) that led to bouts of depression.
She lost significant weight a couple of times – during the 1980s and 1990s/early 2000s. Rumors of cancer have popped up a couple of times during the last 5 years.
She’s seemingly very open, yet she keeps parts of her life locked down. For example – there has never been a wigless photo of her, which is amazing for someone who has been famous for six decades!
I once read a blind that she has a secret full back tattoo. No idea if it’s true or not, but the idea of Dolly with a full back tattoo brings me a lot of joy. Not even sure why.
I think I recall there being a story years ago on Celebitchy (maybe?) about her having a full sleeve tattoo and pics being posted where you could sort of see it through a lacy (or gauzy) shirt. Maybe I am remembering incorrectly though.
It was somewhere, because I remember that too!
I think it was on TLo.
It was Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) who said it! (Yes, I have a memory for useless info!)
Yes, I remember something about that too. It’s why she always has long sleeves.
I love Dolly so much. She just seems so calm and reasonable and kind and fun. Can you imagine how lucky you would feel if she was your friend? I’d be so psyched! I love her voice.
I had always heard the rumors that she was COVERED in tats, and so I’m actually happy to learn she has talked about this because I was so curious. I don’t have any but have been leaning in the direction of getting one because why not? It seems sort of fun. All my friends that have them love them. I just don’t know where. It’s too bad that the small of the back became one of the tacky places to put one, because I think that’s a great spot! Maybe a small one like kind of behind the ear? Hmmmm….
The small of the back is not a “tacky” location. It all depends what you get. The only real downside is that you won’t be able to see it very well yourself. Quality art and work is the most important thing. Get a tattoo that you love – it’s for you, and you will be keeping it!
Not long after I got a tattoo on the small of my back the term “tramp stamp” started taking hold and it pissed me off to no end (still kinda does). Tattoos, and their placement, are a personal thing and means something different for everyone. 🤷🏻♀️
I think a lot of people think the small of the back is a tacky location, otherwise “tramp stamp” wouldn’t be such a common thing. What else would be a tacky location? That is literally the only location with a derisive nickname (although, because mainly women have them, one could argue it’s all just misogyny). I guess one could say that the neck or the face are tacky, but those are more scary and regretful than tacky, to me, at least.
And now I’ve said tacky a bunch and it no longer looks like a real word
Agreed, it is forever and therefore I would want to love it! Which has prevented me from pulling the trigger thus far. I’m a bit indecisive. And averse to pain
side note: My grandma recently couldn’t remember the term “tramp stamp” and was struggling to pull up the word… she ended up calling it “trash patch” and it’s one of our many favorite grandma-isms.
Dolly is such a treasure. Her book program is loved by our family and my 3 year old calls her Aunt Dolly. She is so excited to receive her book every month and kisses the photo of Dolly on it.
Love Dolly! I got my first (and only, so far) at 50. It’s small and meaningful. Debated a lot on where to have it placed and decided on my upper back, shoulder area. I can see it in a mirror and is visible if I go sleeveless, depending on the cut of the tank. The reaction of people I’ve known for a long time when they see it is funny because my style is pretty boring, preppy and pearls.
Dolly parton’s America is a fantastic podcast series about her life and influence on American culture. She is a remarkable person.
I hate to break it to you, Ms. Parton, but if you have tattoos, you’re a tattoo girl!
I got a tattoo at 56. It is a Latin phrase on my foot. My sister and oldest daughter have it too. I love it.
Dulce et Utile. As far as I know, we are the only people who have it. I would love to know if anyone else does.
i grew up when Lindsay lohan & paris hilton seemingly needed constant attention but emma, adele, and jennifer go quiet when not working even before the pandemic. Makes me like them even more. They have real lives, they dont just live through the attention they get from the public. Anna de armas take note.