Megan Moroney, a rising star in the country music scene, has openly expressed her admiration for the iconic Dolly Parton, whom she cites as a significant influence on her artistic style. For the 2026 World’s Most Beautiful issue of PEOPLE magazine, Moroney paid tribute to Parton by recreating the beloved singer’s legendary 1974 “Jolene” album cover. This homage reflects her long-standing affection for Parton, whose music Moroney feels she has known her entire life.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/MEGAN-MORONEY-WMB_ICONS-T-f1088ad4cb7e4f8c9450903a200f1a3e.jpg){kind=icon}
At just 28 years old, Moroney admits that she feels a deep connection to Parton, stating, “I must have learned the songs in the womb. I grew up in a household where it was like, ‘In this house, we respect Dolly Parton.’” This early exposure to Parton’s music has had a lasting impact on Moroney’s own songwriting and aesthetic choices, emphasising the idea that one’s origins can shape their artistic journey.
In discussing Parton’s influence on her personal style, Moroney noted the country legend’s flamboyant approach to fashion, saying, “Dolly has inspired my style because she’s always thought more is more, and I’m right there with you—girl, I love dressing up.” This sentiment echoes Moroney’s desire to embrace an over-the-top aesthetic while maintaining authenticity and a sense of self. “I think owning it and just knowing that this is all fun, but who I am on the inside is the most important part,” she adds.
To achieve the look of Parton, Moroney collaborated with her glam team, which included hairstylist Jessica Miller, who employed a creative method of layering multiple wigs to emulate Parton’s famously voluminous hairstyles. Moroney humorously remarked, “I usually use extensions, but there are not enough extensions in the world to get Dolly Parton hair!”
Recreating Parton’s distinctive jumpsuit required considerable effort from Moroney’s stylist, Lindsey Dupuis Bledsoe, who teamed up with local designer Mariana Romanova. Dupuis acknowledged the challenge of sourcing images of Parton in the jumpsuit, saying, “There’s not a lot of pictures of Dolly standing in it; she’s seated the whole time.” Their perseverance paid off, and the final ensemble was a beautiful nod to Parton’s original look.
The parallel between the ages of Moroney and Parton is particularly poignant, as both women find themselves at significant turning points in their careers. Moroney is now the same age as Parton was when she released “Jolene,” an album that showcased not only the iconic title track but also the heart-wrenching ballad “I Will Always Love You.” Reflecting on this coincidence, Moroney expressed her hopes for the future, contemplating whether younger artists might one day pay tribute to her work in a similar fashion.
This year marks a milestone for Moroney, who recently enjoyed immense success with her album “Cloud 9,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, a feat that made her the highest-charting female country artist in two years. She also collaborated with another of her musical influences, Kacey Musgraves, on the track “Bells & Whistles,” enhancing the album’s appeal and showcasing her ability to work alongside established artists.
As Moroney prepares for her upcoming international arena tour, she describes her shows as akin to “group therapy,” with a promise to weave together various emotional experiences for her audience. “There are a lot of highs, a lot of lows,” she shared, revealing her intent to create a space where fans can feel free to express themselves.
With this year’s theme of gratitude in mind, influenced by Parton’s graciousness and kindness, Moroney reflects on her aspirations for her career and personal life. Her journey serves as a reminder of the profound impact that role models can have in shaping both personal and professional identities, an influence she clearly channels through her love for Dolly Parton.
As she embraces her place in the music industry, Moroney sets an inspiring example for aspiring artists everywhere: the importance of honouring one’s influences while forging an authentic path forward. For further insights and profiles, readers can find the latest edition of PEOPLE on newsstands starting Friday.