The Best Dolly Parton Album Covers and the Artists Behind Them

Dolly Parton is a cultural icon whose unique image has been carefully crafted and powerfully effective. From the rhinestone glamour of the ‘70s to the polished elegance of her later years, Dolly’s album covers have captured the essence of her evolving artistry.

Hypergallery’s partnership with Iconic Images led us to take a trip through time and spotlight some of the most striking Dolly Parton album covers, along with the talented photographers and designers who helped shape her visual legacy.

⸻

1. Coat of Many Colors (1971)
Cover Artist: Les Leverett (Photographer)

This cover reflects the personal storytelling at the heart of the album. The painting of Dolly’s school photo in which she wears the coat ‘of many colours’ made for her by her mother was captured by Les Leverett. Leverett was arguably the most important photographer in the history of country music and longtime Grand Ole Opry photographer.

⸻

2. Jolene (1974)
Cover Artists: Hope Powell (Photographer), Herb Burnette (Art Director)

The Jolene album brought us one of Dolly’s most iconic songs, and its cover introduced a more glamorous look. Shot by Hope Powell, one of Nashville’s most famous photographers, the portrait was simple yet striking. Dolly is lit in soft-focus, with teased blonde hair and a glint in her eye. Fabry, known for his elegant celebrity portraits, helped present Dolly as both approachable and star-powered.

⸻

3. Here You Come Again (1977)
Cover Artist: Ed Caraeff (Photographer)

This album marked Dolly’s crossover into pop territory, and the cover reflected that. Captured by Ed Caraeff, at his Coldwater Canyon home studio. the image of Dolly in a tight red sweater was both playful and self-aware. Caraeff’s casual yet intimate style brought a fresh, contemporary energy to Dolly’s image.

⸻

4. Heartbreaker (1978)
Cover Artist: Ed Caraeff (Photographer)

Ed Caraeff had established his name in the music industry, photographing Jimi Hendrix and designing album art for artists like Elton John and Carly Simon. For Heartbreaker, he gave Dolly a sleek, disco-era makeover. She radiates in a soft blush glow, blonde curls spilling over a sparkling pink dress. It was a declaration: Dolly wasn’t just a country girl - she was a full-on pop diva.

⸻

5. White Limozeen (1989)
Cover Artist: Robert Blakeman (Photographer)

Shot by Robert Blakeman in a dress by Tony Chase, this cover is pure Dolly drama. Dressed in white with silver accents and standing beside a sleek white limo, Dolly looks like a country Cinderella. She is elegant, commanding, and unmistakably herself.

⸻

6. Backwoods Barbie (2008)
Cover Artist: Kii Arens (Designer/Photographer)