1974 Classic Album Cover of Dolly Parton Reimagined in ‘Icons Only' Tribute
Megan Moroney is stepping into some big shoes - and big hair - for her latest role. The country music star has turned back time, recreating the iconic look thatDolly Parton had for her Jolene album cover.
The special debut is all part of the Icons Only feature in People Magazine's 2026 World's Most Beautiful Issue, which dropped on Tuesday, April 21. Adding to the significance, Moroney, 28, is the exact age Parton was when the album came out.
"I just love Dolly so much. She's such a talented songwriter, artist, and philanthropist. She's everything," Moroney, a lifelong fan of Parton, gushed over the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, 80, in a video post shared on Instagram. "She's always been super confident. She knows exactly who she is. She's kind and gracious, over the top in some ways, but she really embraces it. So that's always been inspiring to me."
"She's exactly who she is. And, she's iconic," the Georgia native continued. "I am feeling like I'm about to pour myself a cup of ambition, that's for sure."
The Transformation
To bring the vision to life, Moroney worked with top celebrity hairstylist Jessica Miller, who layered two wigs on her head. Makeup artist Jessica Candage brought out Moroney's features using "neutral, peach tones."
As for the apparel, Moroney, who is most-nominated at the upcoming ACM Awards, didn't wear the exact striped jumpsuit with white balloon sleeves that Parton donned for the cover. However, with the help of stylist Lindsey Dupuis Bledsoe and fashion designer Mariana Romanova, she was able to match the look of the original outfit.
"It took about a day and a half," Dupuis revealed of piecing together the outfit. "We researched because there's not a lot of pictures of Dolly standing in it; she's seated the whole time. But I have [Parton's] book, Behind the Seams, and it has a full-length picture of her, so that's how we figured out what was happening."
"I think Dolly has inspired my style because she's always thought more is more, and I'm right there with you, girl," Moroney, whose personal style tends to reflect Parton's, shared.
The Album
Released on Feb. 4, 1974, Jolene served as the thirteenth studio album from Parton. The collection included her beloved farewell ballad to Porter Wagoner, "I Will Always Love You," and the title track, both of which topped the country charts.
"I must have learned the songs in the womb," Moroney told People of the songs. "I don't remember an age where I learned these songs; I feel like I was born and I knew them. So I blame my mom for playing a lot of Dolly Parton in the car. I grew up in a household where it was like, ‘In this house, we respect Dolly Parton.'"
So what would her reaction be if she met Parton in person today?
Moroney says, "I haven't met Dolly yet, but I'd probably scream….I just need to meet her. I'd probably hug her, I'd ask her to sing. I'd ask her how she gets so much volume in her hair and makeup tips."
Related: 1984 Classic Ranked Among Best ‘Country Songs of All Time' Became a No. 1 Hit
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:08 PM.