Playboy Bunny costume modified for magazine cover by Dolly Parton, out of respect for her religious followers, according to an author.
In 1978, country music legend Dolly Parton made headlines when she graced the cover of Playboy magazine. The decision to pose for the cover was not a casual one for Parton. Her manager had suggested that Playboy was the classiest magazine for an interview, but she was cautious about not offending her religious fans.
To respect her audience, Parton requested alterations to the traditional Playboy bunny costume. She lowered the crotch and covered more of her cleavage, ensuring the outfit was modest enough for her audience. The costume she ultimately wore was a modified black satin corset with fishnet stockings, bunny ears, and a white fluffy tail—a cartoonish, burlesque-style take on the Playboy bunny costume that balanced glamour with a sense of irony and empowerment.
Parton was initially afraid and did not want to appear naked or overly sexual on the cover. She never considered herself a sex symbol or desired to take on that "responsibility." Instead, she aimed to make the shoot humorous and playful rather than provocative, maintaining her image while acknowledging her fanbase's sensitivities.
Despite her initial apprehensions, Parton eventually saw the Playboy cover as a unique opportunity. She joked about being the only suitable candidate for the cover, reflecting her confidence and sense of humour. After the shoot, she did not participate in the layouts and was comfortable with her decision.
In 2021, Parton recreated her Playboy photo shoot for her husband, Carl Dean, wearing a similar black bunny costume. She shared a video of the recreated shoot on Instagram to celebrate her husband's birthday.
Throughout her career, Parton has been open about her faith and her desire to be a role model for her fans. Her approach to the Playboy cover was a testament to her ability to balance her career and personal beliefs, maintaining her image while staying true to herself.
Sources: [1] Lawrence Grobel, "Dolly Parton: Playboy Interview," Playboy, 1978. [2] Associated Press, "Dolly Parton: Playboy Cover Shoot," ABC News, 1978. [3] Dolly Parton, official website, accessed March 2023.
- Dolly Parton's Playboy cover in 1978, a symbol of her unique opportunity to merge entertainment with political and pop-culture statements, showcased her ability to balance her career and personal beliefs, all while remaining a role model for her fans.
- As celebrities often find themselves at the intersection of entertainment, politics, and pop-culture, Dolly Parton's approach to her Playboy shoot in 1978 serves as an exemplary instance of navigating these complexities with grace, irony, and empowerment, reflecting her enduring impact on the industry.
