Melania Trump reportedly isn’t the only woman who has been overlooked by Vogue in recent years!
A new report claims that Dolly Parton was pitched for an American Vogue cover at least four times during Anna Wintour’s tenure as editor-in-chief, but the country music legend was never featured on the magazine’s cover.
According to journalist Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack, sources claimed that Wintour viewed Parton’s signature rhinestones, towering wigs and over-the-top glamour as being too “country,” “camp” and “tacky” for Vogue. The report comes after Parton’s death at age 80 on August 25.
“Anna thought Dolly was too country, too camp and too tacky for Vogue,” an unnamed insider told Naughty But Nice. “She looked at Dolly and saw rhinestones. The rest of America saw an icon. Anna completely missed it.”
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Vogue Reportedly Rejected Dolly Parton For A Cover
Parton did, however, make an appearance in Vogue. The magazine featured her in its January 1994 issue in a profile titled “Good Golly Miss Dolly,” written by Charles Gandee. The feature included photography associated with Herb Ritts.
Still, according to Shuter’s report, the 1994 feature never resulted in a cover. Another source questioned why Parton allegedly failed to receive the honor while Vogue later featured celebrities including reality star Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
“That’s what makes the Dolly snub look ridiculous today,” the source told Naughty But Nice. “Vogue eventually embraced reality stars, influencers and billionaire glamour, but somehow Dolly Parton wasn’t sophisticated enough? Please.”
The claims have sparked a wave of reactions online, with many fans arguing that Parton never needed Vogue’s approval.
“Dolly didn’t need Vogue!” one person wrote.
“And the Kardashians aren’t?!” another commented.
“Dolly is above Vogue anyways,” a third person said.
“Dolly was the kind of person who didn't need or want Wintour's ‘validation’. And all the more power to her for it!” another fan wrote.
“Dolly transcended ‘fashion’ in every possible way. Name anyone who ever graced the cover of that mag that accomplished as much,” another commenter added.
“Dolly was authentic and had the kindest soul. If Vogue didn’t appreciate that, I know Dolly wouldn’t have wanted to do a cover with them,” someone else wrote.
Dolly Parton Passes Away At 80
The report comes as the fashion world continues to celebrate Parton’s distinctive style and legacy following her death. Vogue itself recently revisited her fashion influence, describing her signature aesthetic as a deliberately glamorous, over-the-top look built around blonde wigs, figure-hugging clothing and sky-high heels.
Parton died at age 80 on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death was announced in a statement shared through her official social media channels.
The music icon’s career spanned nearly six decades and produced enduring hits including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” Her work as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist cemented her status as one of the most recognizable figures in country music.
