SHARING HER FASHION SECRETS DOLLY PARTON ON STAYING TRUE TO HERSELF AND LIVING A 'LIFE IN RHINESTONES'

Few women in this world rock rhinestones and glitter like Dolly Parton. With her teased hairdos and form-fitting sequinned clothes, the Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter has created an image that’s all her own – and now she’s put pen to paper to share the secrets behind her signature look.

- LAURA BENJAMIN

Speaking exclusively to Hello! on the release of her latest book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, Dolly tells us all about her fashion influences – and what she makes of those who try to imitate her unique style.

“I think, ‘Are you crazy? Are you sure you wanna wear that?’” jokes the 77-year-old multi-award-winning star. “Actually, I’m always complimented when people say they’re doing this or that like me, because I’ve never – taking nothing away from any of the designers or the great people who work with me – thought of myself as a fashion horse or a fashion icon. I make jokes of that.

“I just wear what I’m comfortable in and I feel prettier and better in some things than others, but if somebody wants to wear something I’m wearing, well, I think that’s a great compliment.

“And if somebody wants to write a song similar to something I’ve written, I think that’s a great compliment. If people imitate you, they say it’s a form of flattery.”

The priciest items in Dolly’s wardrobe are her concert clothes, which include items by her longtime stylist Steve Summers and designer Bob Mackie (who famously created Cher’s iconic Oscar dresses in the ’80s).