Country music legend Dolly Parton has always been unapologetically herself, openly embracing the bold, glamorous style that first earned her attention in her East Tennessee hometown. Inspired by the “town tramp” she saw growing up, Parton faced early pressure from record executives and even family to tone down her look to appeal to a wider audience. But she stayed true to herself, famously advising young women:
“It doesn’t matter what anybody else says. If somebody doesn’t like the way you look… Well, say, ‘To hell with you. This is me. I’m the one who has to wear this. You’re not wearing it.’”
Parton’s signature style — including her famously discussed chest — has long been a topic of public fascination. Despite rumors claiming her breasts were insured, she has repeatedly clarified this isn’t true. In the past, male reporters frequently pressed her for measurements, and one such moment occurred during a 1986 60 Minutes interview with reporter Mike Munro.
Munro asked Parton for her exact chest measurements, a line of questioning that would be considered highly inappropriate today. True to form, Parton handled it with humor and grace. She first explained why she avoided giving specifics:
“The reason I never give my measurements is because they go up and down. I mean, it’s like, I vary 20 pounds every six months.”
She then jokingly downplayed their size:
“I’m actually not as big as people think, because I’m a tiny little person, and I’m small boned, and I’m just over-exaggerated. You’d be amazed to know how tiny they really are.”
When Munro pressed further, Parton laughed at the absurdity before delivering the perfect four-word comeback:
“No, you can’t. Up yours, buster.”
The clip has since become legendary, perfectly showcasing Parton’s sharp wit, poise, and unwavering self-confidence — a reminder that she’s not just a country superstar, but a master of turning uncomfortable moments into unforgettable, classically Dolly ones.
@honkytonktown Funny time with Dolly