Dolly Parton's Hidden Tattoos Teach Us The Beauty Of Getting Inked Just For Yourself

The late Dolly Parton, who passed away in August 2026, can only be referred to as a veritable national treasure. Though she may be remembered for her over-the-top outfits as raucous as her personality, and her extensive philanthropic efforts across her long career, it's also her willingness to be open with others that's made her an unforgettable icon. And the "Jolene" singer shared in the past that she'd gotten her body inked, shedding some light over the years on what tattoos she got and why.

In an exclusive interview with People back in 2020, the 10-time Grammy winner revealed that surgical scarring led her to get beautiful, artistic tattoos. "I like to make positives out of negatives," Parton told the publication, continuing, "I had a little beehive tattooed over [my scar]." She further added that she stuck to animals like butterflies and other aesthetic decorations, like bows, though she largely keeps her tattoos hidden beneath her notoriously glamorous outfits. But the "I Will Always Love You" vocalist's strategy for dealing with physical trauma is definitely something to look up to.

Although Dolly Parton has had bees and bows inked on her skin, it's butterflies that hold a special place in her heart. The 55-time Grammy nominee was always in awe of their sheer beauty and what they represent. So, it's no surprise that the motif dominated Parton's life, with butterflies even holding pride of place at her Dollywood theme park. "Butterflies don't sting, they don't bite, and they are so beautiful," Parton shared in an exclusive 2021 interview with W Magazine. 

While she's given close friends a peek at her stunning tattoos, Parton reserved showing all of them for a deeply special someone. "[My tattoos] are not where you can see them," Parton slyly hinted on the Today Show back in 2014 (per InStyle), before cheekily adding, "They're mostly for my husband." Although the "Steel Magnolias" star joked she was considering getting her late husband's face inked somewhere on her body, there's no doubt that all of Dolly Parton's tattoos stood for something very special.