Fact Check: Is Dolly Parton hiding secret tattoos underneath her long-sleeved sparkly outfits?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dolly Parton turned 79 on Sunday, January 19.
The country music legend has a charm that has captivated fans for decades, but there’s one thing about her that’s kept the rumor mill buzzing for years—her secret tattoos. People have been wondering for years whether the 'Jolene' hitmaker's always-covered arms are hiding an ink-filled secret.
Fact Check: Does Dolly Parton have tattoos?
Dolly Parton isn’t just a country superstar; she’s a living legend. She’s been dazzling her fans ever since she released 'Puppy Love' in 1950, racking up an incredible list of accolades along the way: 11 Grammys from 50 nominations, and 10 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year!).
Apart from her chart-topping hits and unmistakable voice, Dolly’s also known for her over-the-top fashion—big hair, sparkly outfits, and long sleeves. Fans have wondered why Dolly always keeps her arms covered — Is it a style choice or are there tattoos under there?
The chatter about Dolly’s tattoos goes way back. In 1996, she appeared on 'The Jay Leno Show' wearing a dress with shoulder cut-outs. Host Jay Leno was quick to notice some tattoos on her arms. Dolly didn’t deny it, casually admitting she had a "little butterfly and a little angel, [her] guardian angel," as per the Daily Mirror.
Dolly Parton said her tattoos were meant to cover up scars
In 2020, Dolly Parton decided to set the record straight about her tattoos in an interview with People. "I do have some tattoos, that's true," she admitted, adding, "But they're tasteful. I'm not a tattoo girl." She explained that her tattoos weren’t about making bold statements.
"My tattoos are pretty, they're artful, and they usually started out to cover some scar, not to make a big statement. Ribbons and bows and butterflies are the things that I have. I was very sick for a while, and I had to wear a feeding tube. It left a little indention in my side, and I didn't like it because I'm so fair that scars turn purple on me," Dolly said.
The singer revealed that she's susceptible to keloid scars, and so she decided to make some lemonade out of lemons. "I like to make positives out of negatives. I had a little beehive tattooed over it — a little yellow-and-brown beehive with a tiny little bee on top of the hive. The mouth of it is that little sinkhole," the '9 to 5' singer revealed.
Dolly’s love of butterflies is no secret, and it’s a theme that shows up in her tattoos.
In a 2021 interview with W Magazine, she revealed, "Butterflies don’t sting, they don’t bite, and they are so beautiful. And I just kind of related to them with my own personality. I claimed them as my little symbol." She added, "I don’t have the real heavy, dark tattoos. Mine are all pastel. And I have more than one!"
One of those butterfly tattoos was seen on her left bicep in 2006 during the 25th anniversary of '9 to 5'. Fans spotted it peeking through her semi-sheer blouse, proving once again that Dolly’s ink isn’t just a rumor—it’s real.
Jennifer Saunders got a rare peek behind the curtain
British comedian and actress Jennifer Saunders revealed on the show 'There’s Something About Movies' that she had seen Dolly Parton's tattoos up close on a night out with the country music legend and Roseanne Barr.
"Dolly and Roseanne are sharing stories about tattoos. And Dolly went, ‘OK, I have tattoos.’ And we went, ‘Really? Dolly Parton, you have tattoos?’ She just unbuttoned her little jerkin, and she has the most beautiful tattoos, like works of art," Jennifer said.
She described "beautiful angels, and beautiful butterflies, and baskets of flowers in pastel colors," with tattoos on her "b**bs and in her armpits."
While Dolly’s been pretty open about her tattoos, she hasn’t shown them all off. Fans have spotted hints of ink on her sternum and even on her right foot, but the details remain a mystery.
