“She Doesn’t Follow Trends”; Dolly Parton’s Longtime Stylist on Her Over-the-Top Style

Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks will co-host the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) on Thursday in Frisco, Texas. Parton is no stranger to the ACM stage: She’s performed at the ceremony many times over the years, and collected many awards at it, too. However, this year, Parton will debut the lead single of her forthcoming rock album, titled Rockstar, at the show—and she’ll be doing it in style. “She’s going to wear a lot of diversity,” says Steve Summers, Parton’s longtime stylist, of her upcoming ACM wardrobe. “She’ll go from very bright, to very demure to very country—and a little bit of everything in between. Her performance at the end of the show is going to be epic.”

These days, Parton is known for being a style icon just as much as for her musical career and philanthropy work. A lot of that has to do with Summers, who has been dressing Parton for over 30 years now. Acting as her longtime stylist and creative director, Summers has worked with Parton on many winning looks for her performances, films, and beyond. “Designing for Dolly is great, because there are so many [Dollys],” says Summers. “I’ve got the philanthropist, the singer, the actress, the theme park owner. The canvas is always very broad.”