Partying with the Stars at Studio 54: Dolly Parton’s Glittery Adventures
Dolly Parton's Studio 54 Revels How She Found Solace in Andy Warhol's Drug-Free Circle of Glamour
Dolly Parton partied at Studio 54 with Andy Warhol, who she stuck with because they didn’t drink or take drugs excessively.
Dolly Parton and Andy Warhol in 1977. – Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images
If fame were a fabulous disco ball, Dolly Parton would be its dazzling centerpiece. And in the glitzy 1970s, she found herself rubbing shoulders with the icons of the era, including the legendary Andy Warhol. But here’s the funny thing – they were more like the cozy cushions on a couch than the wild party animals everyone else seemed to be.
While the scene at Studio 54 was practically exploding with energy, Dolly and Andy were happy spectators, content to observe the madness from their comfy perch. It turns out that they had something in common – they were more interested in people-watching than joining the frenzy of drugs and alcohol.
Dolly Parton at her Studio 54 party in 1978. – Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Dolly takes us back to those unforgettable nights, where she met not only the enigmatic Warhol but also fashion royalty like Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg. Sandy Gallin, whom Dolly describes as her manager and friend, had introduced her to this star-studded circle.
Together, they danced, they laughed, and they partied till dawn. But what’s best, in Dolly’s own words, is that they loved her and her polyester! Studio 54 was a place where fashionistas flaunted their high-end styles, which Dolly admired from a distance. But being the fashion maven she is, she didn’t shy away from finding inspiration there.
Dolly Parton wore a sparkly black chiffon dress to her Studio 54 party in 1978. – Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Donning her signature sequins and rhinestones, our queen of country would pick up fashion cues from the masses of high fashion. If she saw a skirt with a perfect flutter or fell head over heels for a particular outfit, she would cleverly incorporate similar elements into her own glamorous attire. And let’s not forget her affection for the iconic wrap dresses designed by the fabulous Diane von Furstenberg. According to Dolly, they were not only convenient and feminine but also had the magical power to make your booty look fabulous!
– Parton and Diane von Furstenberg at a Calvin Klein fashion show in 1994. Thomas Iannaccone/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
But it wasn’t just the fashion that made Studio 54 special for Dolly. She became good friends with the mastermind behind it all, Steve Rubell, and even celebrated her birthday with a bang at the hallowed disco paradise. Picture this – the club turned into a magical countryside wonderland, complete with hay bales, cows, and a majestic white horse. And amidst this country extravaganza, there stood Dolly, draped in her signature sparkly black chiffon. Her loyal fans, decked out in cowboys and cowgirl getups, joined her in this fantastical mix of glitz and down-home charm.
So, my darlings, that’s the story of Dolly Parton’s glittery adventures at Studio 54. While the world danced the night away, Dolly and her couch companion Andy Warhol created their own star-studded show by simply being themselves. And it’s these colorful tales that add an extra sparkle to Dolly’s already vibrant legacy.
So, fashionistas, have you ever found inspiration in unexpected places? Share your stories, and let’s celebrate the magic of fashion together!
