You’d think being the actual person would give you a leg up in a contest designed to find someone who looks exactly like you. Apparently not.
In one of the most famous pieces of country music lore, Dolly Parton herself once entered a dolly parton look alike competition at a bar on Santa Monica Boulevard. She didn't just lose; she got the least amount of applause out of everyone on that stage.
The year was sometime in the late 70s or early 80s. Dolly was hanging out with her hairdresser, David, near Hollywood. It was Halloween. The local gay bars were throwing massive parties, and the drag queens were out in full force, towering in five-inch heels and wigs that defied the laws of physics.
David talked her into it.
"Let’s just go down," he told her. "They give free drinks for the people who participate."
Dolly, being Dolly, thought it was hilarious. She went home, over-exaggerated her makeup, made her beauty mark a little bigger, and teased her hair until it probably touched the ceiling. She sashayed across that stage with all the confidence of a global superstar, only to be met with stone-cold silence.
The crowd didn't think she was Dolly Parton. They thought she was a "short guy" who wasn't trying hard enough.
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The Art of the Dolly Parton Look Alike Competition
What most people get wrong about these contests is that they aren't actually about looking like the real Dolly. They are about looking like the idea of Dolly.
If you show up looking like the "Coat of Many Colors" era Dolly—a bit more natural, maybe a little dusty—you’re going to lose. To win a dolly parton look alike competition, you have to lean into the caricature. We’re talking about the "Town Tramp" aesthetic she’s spent millions of dollars perfecting.
Why Drag Queens Usually Win
It’s no secret that the most successful competitors are often drag queens. Dolly knows this. She’s even said, "It’s a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I’d be a drag queen."
Drag is about amplification.
When a queen enters a contest, they aren't just wearing a wig; they are wearing a structural engineering feat. They use contouring to create features that are sharper and more "Dolly" than Dolly’s actual face. It’s an arms race of sequins and hairspray.
In a real-world competition, like the ones held annually at the Truck Yard in Fort Worth or the ones that pop up during the "Opry Goes Dolly" celebrations in Nashville, the judges look for specific markers:
- The signature "Dolly Giggle" (it has to be high-pitched and breathless).
- The "Backwoods Barbie" charm.
- The silhouette (usually achieved through significant amounts of padding).
- The ability to play a tiny, bedazzled guitar or banjo.
Where the Biggest Competitions Happen
If you're looking to enter or just watch the madness unfold, there are a few legendary spots.
The Grand Ole Opry (Nashville)
Every year around January 19th—Dolly’s birthday—Nashville goes into a full-blown frenzy. In 2026, as she hits her 80th birthday, the "Opry Goes Dolly" event is expected to be the biggest one yet. They don't just do look-alike contests; they do "Wig-Snatching" competitions and baking contests using her signature mixes.
Dollywood (Pigeon Forge)
While the park doesn't always have a daily "contest," the concentration of impersonators there is the highest in the world. You’ll see professional tribute artists like Karen Hester or C.J. Morgan who have turned "being Dolly" into a six-figure career.
Fire Island (New York)
The Cherry Grove Dolly Parton look-alike contest has roots going back to 1978. It’s a historical landmark for the LGBTQ+ community. In the 70s, eighteen contestants—including one woman—competed for the title. It’s less about a corporate prize and more about the "Invasion" history of the island.
How to Win Your Local Contest
Honestly, most people fail because they are too shy. Dolly is never shy.
You need to understand the "doctor bills" philosophy. As she famously said, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap." If your outfit looks like it came off a rack at a standard costume shop, you’ve already lost. You need custom rhinestones. You need a wig that weighs at least three pounds.
Most importantly, you need the heart.
People love Dolly because she’s kind. If you’re a "Mean Dolly," the audience will turn on you instantly. The successful impersonators spend as much time practicing their "Dolly-isms" and Southern wit as they do on their makeup.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Look-Alikes:
- Invest in the Foundation: Don't skimp on the corset or the padding. The "hourglass" is the most recognizable part of the silhouette.
- Master the High-Heeled Sashay: Dolly doesn't just walk; she bounces.
- Learn the Storytelling: Watch her interviews from the 80s. Take notes on how she deflects insults with humor.
- Find a "Jolene": If you're entering a duo contest (which are becoming popular in 2026), find someone who can play the "red-headed beauty" to your "blonde bombshell."
- Check Local Calendars: Look for "Birthday Bash" events in late January. Places like the Mars Theatre or various "Truck Yard" locations across Texas and the South hold these every year.
Dolly’s 80th birthday celebrations in 2026 are going to see a massive spike in these competitions. Whether you're a professional tribute artist or just someone with a lot of hairspray and a dream, the key is to remember that you're celebrating a legend. Just don't be surprised if the real Dolly walks in and you still beat her.