Everything Dolly Parton touches turns to dazzling gold. The 77-year-old empire is worth an estimated $440 million and includes a catalog of more than 3,000 songs, a popular theme park, coveted perfumes, mixes by Duncan Hines, collectible clothing and beloved charities like the Imagination Library. It sends a free book to children every month from birth to age 5. For his latest project, he is publishing his own new book (his eighth!). Behind the Stitches: My Life with Rhinestones ($50; penguinrandomhouse.com). Inside you’ll find photos of Dolly’s private costume archive and her thoughts on the most iconic costumes from her early career, including the multi-colored coat and the Playboy Bunny costume. We talked to him about this and non-negotiable issues.
Pharmacy Beauty Products
“I am a very low maintenance person. I have expensive makeup, but I usually use things I buy from a beauty supply store. I also use the pencil I put on my lips to color my lips. I then applied gloss because it stayed on better. I remove my makeup with those little mineral oil pads. And I love Event“It’s not the most expensive, but I think it’s just as good.”
Thin Strip False Eyelashes
“I always wear eyelashes, even during the day. Some look better on TV, some look better on stage – it depends on what you want – so I wear them in different lengths. I don’t like lashes that already have eyeliner on them; It makes your eyes look very heavy.
Scent as a Memory Maker
“I spray perfume on my wigs. I spray it on my wrists and clothes. Smells and sounds leave the most lasting traces. Every once in a while, I open a box of my belongings from a long time ago and smell a perfume I wore back then, and it takes me somewhere. The smell can overwhelm you in a good or bad way!
Bra Options
“I wear different sleeves depending on my outfit. Some of my costumes require a bra that pulls you in this way or lifts you up that way. Sometimes I don’t wear a bra; for my brave little soldiers are still standing very well on their own.”
She Wears What Makes Her Feel Like Dolly!
“I think it’s important for people to be comfortable with their appearance and makeup. We all know our weaknesses and strengths. If I don’t look the way I want, I will feel shy. I once wrote a song called ‘Whoever you are, be that’. Whatever you do, do it. Everything else is just an action.’ “Be yourself, do what you do, and feel good about it.”
