Alice Hawkins, 46, a Dolly Parton superfan, explains how her long-held love for the icon has shaped her life and helped through difficult times.
“I slip into my vintage yellow skirt suit with floral details and gold wedges, then pause to take in the reflection. The woman staring back feels a little different from my usual self, who often favours tracksuit bottoms and trainers. I don’t regularly dress as my idol, Dolly Parton. This is only the fifth occasion, but when I do, I commit fully. Getting it right matters, so preparation begins weeks in advance. I have my hair bleached blonde and my nails done, this time in a vibrant orange. Hair is such a defining part of Dolly’s identity, so it can’t be some cheap wig off eBay. I instead turn to an experienced hairstylist who’ll spend hours perfecting my Dolly hair. Finally, I do my own make-up, adding false eyelashes, eye make-up, blusher and lipstick. Before transforming I’d been in a bit of a rut, wondering who I was – but the thing about Dolly is that she always comes into my life when I need her.
Sarah Necia, one of Dolly Parton’s hairstylists, did Alice’s hair for her most recent transformation, which felt ‘monumental’ (Photo: Alice Hawkins)
