The Dolly Archive
With a career spanning seven decades, Dolly Parton has inspired audiences around the world through her music, storytelling, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and unmistakable personal style. Through thoughtful stewardship, conservation, research, and exhibition, The Dolly Archive ensures that Dolly's artistry, achievements, and cultural impact remain accessible, meaningful, and enduring. From iconic stage costumes and film wardrobes to career-defining milestones, awards, and personal treasures, the Archive safeguards the tangible history of one of the world's most beloved entertainers.
The History of the Dolly Doll
Dolly Parton’s very first song, transcribed by her mother Avie Lee, was about an ode to a little corncob doll her father Lee made for her. She called it “Little Tiny Tassletop” and boasted about its “cornsilk hair and big brown eyes.” Little did she know, Dolly would go on to have her very own line of Dolly Dolls.
1970s
In May 1977, Dolly Parton appeared on The Mike Douglas Show as a guest co-host for four days. During the show, Dolly brought out the very first Dolly Doll, made by the Goldberger Manufacturing Company. The 12-inch poseable doll featured Dolly’s signature blonde hair, her iconic platform high heels, and a decadent jumpsuit inspired by the wardrobe worn on her syndicated variety series Dolly. All of the dolls were designed by Ann Warden, wife of Dolly’s road manager Don Warden.
The dolls were so successful that Goldberger began manufacturing other wardrobe for the Dolly Dolls that could be purchased separately. In addition to jumpsuits and gowns inspired by the work of Dolly’s designer Lucy Adams, each set of outfits came with a pair of coordinating shoes and other accessories, like sunglasses, an electric guitar, matching bandanas, and even a handheld mirror and hairbrush! Most special of all, however, was a coat of many colors that included a recording of Dolly’s loving mama Avie Lee Parton sharing the true story of Dolly’s coat of many colors. A limited run of Deluxe Dolly Parton Dolls were also sold in the late 1970s. This line featured elaborate ball gowns and hats to match. The tag promised to bring “lasting beauty into every home.”
The dolls were so successful that Goldberger began manufacturing other wardrobe for the Dolly Dolls that could be purchased separately. In addition to jumpsuits and gowns inspired by the work of Dolly’s designer Lucy Adams, each set of outfits came with a pair of coordinating shoes and other accessories, like sunglasses, an electric guitar, matching bandanas, and even a handheld mirror and hairbrush! Most special of all, however, was a coat of many colors that included a recording of Dolly’s loving mama Avie Lee Parton sharing the true story of Dolly’s coat of many colors. A limited run of Deluxe Dolly Parton Dolls were also sold in the late 1970s. This line featured elaborate ball gowns and hats to match. The tag promised to bring “lasting beauty into every home.”
1980s
The dolls continued to be a success for Dolly. In the 1980s, Goldberger released a limited edition Dolly In Concert series, which featured two 16-inch dolls. Both dolls were inspired by Dolly’s iconic stagewear: her late 1970s rhinestoned chiffon overlays and her 1980s tuxedo-inspired gowns worn on tour with Kenny Rogers. Each piece came with a special doll stand and a certificate of authenticity with a message from Dolly herself.
In 1986, Dolly opened her theme park Dollywood in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The following year, the park began selling a special Dolly Parton plush doll, dressed in gingham and denim. The plush doll even had Dolly’s signature red nails!
In 1986, Dolly opened her theme park Dollywood in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The following year, the park began selling a special Dolly Parton plush doll, dressed in gingham and denim. The plush doll even had Dolly’s signature red nails!
1990s
In 1990, Dolly extended her deal with Goldberger. Again, Ann Warden led the charge in designing the dolls. This run of dolls included a more “downhome” Dolly in a checkered fringe top and acid-washed denim skirt, as well as a black and silver pantsuit look.
In 1996, Goldberger and Dolly collaborated on a new collection of Dolly Dolls. This line, however, featured a revamped packaging with a special message from Dolly. Each doll wore looks inspired by the Tony Chase creations worn on the cover of Dolly’s albums released from 1989 to 1996. Some of the looks recreated include White Limozeen, Something Special, Heartsongs: Live from Home and Treasures. Each doll came with a special message from Dolly and Goldberger, as well as a certificate of authenticity and a slip to register the Dolly doll. As a collectible, the Dolly In Concert line was revived with a 14-inch doll depicting Dolly in her red gingham dress from the cover of Heartsongs.
In 1996, Goldberger and Dolly collaborated on a new collection of Dolly Dolls. This line, however, featured a revamped packaging with a special message from Dolly. Each doll wore looks inspired by the Tony Chase creations worn on the cover of Dolly’s albums released from 1989 to 1996. Some of the looks recreated include White Limozeen, Something Special, Heartsongs: Live from Home and Treasures. Each doll came with a special message from Dolly and Goldberger, as well as a certificate of authenticity and a slip to register the Dolly doll. As a collectible, the Dolly In Concert line was revived with a 14-inch doll depicting Dolly in her red gingham dress from the cover of Heartsongs.
2010s
Following the airing of her Coat of Many Colors television films, Dollywood began selling a Little Dolly plush doll, proudly wearing her Coat of Many Colors. In 2018, an 18-inch doll was made exclusively for Dollywood, featuring a Little Dolly in her Coat of Many Colors and playing her acoustic guitar. The doll was in such high demand that it was featured on the local news in the East Tennessee area!
2020s
Now, Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum has partnered with Integrity Toys to bring a new line of Dolly Dolls to millions of Dolly fans across the globe. Dreamin’ in Gingham features a classic, down home Dolly, similar to her look in the 2007 “Better Get To Livin’” music video. World on Fire is inspired by Dolly’s iconic performance at the 2023 ACM Awards that introduced the world to her Rockstar era, including the iconic tear-away globe skirt. Diamond in a Rhinestone World is an exclusive release to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors museumgoers, inspired by one of the many looks fans will get to see throughout the museum.
