Dolly Parton: The Iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

The Iconic Outfit

Dolly Parton's Dallas Cowboys cheerleader costume quickly became one of her most iconic looks, but no one was more impressed than her biggest fan: her husband.

Dolly Parton Jokes Her Husband Was 'Jealous of Her Viral Cheerleader Outfit

During the halftime show at the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game last year, Parton performed her songs 'Jolene' and '9 to 5' and a mashup of Queen’s 'We Are the Champions' and 'We Will Rock You' while wearing the official Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform, featuring a blue crop top paired with a fringe vest and white shorts. Under her ensemble, Parton added a sparkly sheer bodysuit that had a metallic star on her torso.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who was the color commentator for the CBS broadcast of the game, was ecstatic about Parton’s appearance at the time.

The Inspiration Behind the Look

The country icon went on to say that Dean, 81, was one of the inspirations for the look. The duo, who tied the knot in 1966, celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary last year.

'All the guys love [the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders], my husband included, and I kind of did it for him,' Parton told People. 'I thought, ‘Well, if I can pull this off, it’ll be cute, and if not, then they’ll just think that some older woman did a stupid thing!’ I just thought it was cool, and it evidently was because it turned out to be a big sensation.'

Reactions and Defenses

Some viewers criticized Parton for the skimpy outfit, but her famous fans were quick to defend her. Whoopi Goldberg was among those who defended Parton’s look.

Goldberg’s cohost Sunny Hostin agreed with her sentiment, adding, 'If I look like that in one of them Cowboys things, I might have everything out. I don’t know if that’s a belly ring or what, but I want what she has.'

Dolly’s sister Stella Parton also took to social media to defend her older sibling.