Dolly Parton’s Western Shoe Style Over The Years
Making a statement is required for the singer, whether that's in heels or boots.
Dolly Parton joined forces with Beyoncé on a new reimagining of the singer’s 1973 hit “Jolene.” The song appears on the latter’s new album “Cowboy Carter” and is an homage to the country icons’ large body of work.
Parton is well known for her music, but she is known just as much for her over-the-top, western-inspired style and shoe choices. Whether she’s wearing boots or heels, the singer loves to wear a statement shoe tied to the rest of her outfit. Any material is fair game for Dolly Parton, who has been seen over the years rocking footwear made of denim, leather and shoes bedazzled from heel to toe.
Below, see Dolly Parton’s best shoe moments from the past several decades, from outrageously high heels to custom cowboy boots.
Dolly Parton, 2023
Dolly Parton wore silver metallic thigh-high strappy boots at the press conference for her new album on June 29, 2023. The shoes, which feature a high stiletto heel and platform base, as many of her shoes do, were coordinated with the release of her latest album “Rockstar,” the country singer’s first rock album. She wrote the album after receiving an invitation from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Dolly Parton, 2022
In 2022, Dolly Parton co-hosted the 57th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The singer paired her iridescent disco-ball-inspired outfit with clear and silver platform heels. Parton is known for wearing extremely high heels, often with a platform, and very much embodies this standard even in a simpler color palette as shown in this pair.
Dolly Parton, 2016
Stepping out into the press room at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards on April 3, 2016, Dolly Parton color-matched a pair of suede, platform stilettos with her trousers and the lapel of her bedazzled blazer. The country singer is known for truly making her shoes a part of her outfit in a way that many artists don’t, pairing fabrics and colors together in a seamless fashion.
Dolly Parton, 2006
It’s rare to spot Dolly Parton out in anything but a heel, even a shorter, casual one as seen in these bedazzled sandals she worse to a special edition launch party for the 25th anniversary of “9 to 5.” These casual heels could truly be worn from 9 to 5, and stun on a red carpet.
Dolly Parton, 1989
Almost indistinguishable from the rest of her outfit, Dolly Parton stepped out for her opening monologue on “Saturday Night Live” in 1989 in a pair of beaded high-heeled cowboy boots. The beading is in the same pattern as her pants and top, giving the illusion of a country chic full-body suit. Parton continued wearing shoes made from the same material as her clothing throughout her career.
Dolly Parton, 1987
Cowboy boots have always been a staple for Parton, who has been an icon of country music since the 60s. The style emulates her roots, and to this day is a shoe the singer wears on stage and at public events. This pair, which she wore to an event at Dollywood in 1987, features a high stiletto heel and are made entirely out of denim, coordinating with her look made of the same material.
Dolly Parton, 1977
Early in Parton’s career, high heels were already a staple of her shoe style. The actress and singer wore a pair of silver platform heels with a stylish, slim strap across the ankle and an open-toe design to the Rock Awards in Hollywood, Calif. in 1977. The shoes, while a classic and timeless style, made a statement with their height.
