Dolly Parton Photographed by Mario Casilli, 1987

In 1987, the renowned celebrity photographer Mario Casilli captured an iconic series of portraits of Dolly Parton. These photographs were primarily used as publicity shots for her ABC prime-time variety series, simply titled Dolly!, which debuted in September 1987.

One of the most recognized images from this session features Parton in a custom pink gown created by the Western Costume Co., with her hair styled by David Blair. Casilli’s work during this period is celebrated for its high-glamour aesthetic, characterized by soft lighting and vibrant colors that epitomized the 1980s celebrity style.

Mario Casilli was famous for his ability to make stars look their most glamorous, and his 1987 collaboration with Parton remains a definitive visual representation of her “80s era” persona.