For decades, Dolly Parton’s unmistakable style was part of her signature. Sparkling outfits, dramatic sleeves, gloves, and carefully chosen accessories helped create the larger-than-life image that audiences instantly recognized.
But behind that glamorous look was a much more personal reason for some of the choices she made.
After Parton’s reported passing, fans have been revisiting interviews and stories from throughout her remarkable career, including the long-running curiosity surrounding her arms. Why did she so often wear long sleeves? Why were her arms rarely shown?
Parton eventually explained that she had developed keloid scars, a type of raised scar tissue that can form after an injury or wound heals. She acknowledged that the scars could be noticeable and that she preferred to cover them.
