Megan Moroney, a burgeoning star in the country music scene and a newly appointed ambassador for Revlon, has long harboured a deep admiration for Dolly Parton. So, when the opportunity arose for Moroney to emulate her idol for PEOPLE’s 2026 edition of ‘World’s Most Beautiful’, she enthusiastically dove into the project, embracing the challenges of recreating Parton’s renowned ‘Jolene’ album cover.
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Moroney recalls her lifelong connection to Parton’s music, stating, “I must have learned her songs in the womb.” This profound admiration was certainly a driving force during the photoshoot, where achieving the legendary country diva’s iconic look was no small feat. The first order of business was to conjure up the voluminous hairstyle that Parton is famous for.
“I usually rely on hair extensions, but when it comes to Dolly Parton’s hair, you simply can’t achieve that volume with extensions alone,” Moroney explained. Ultimately, her glam team opted for two wigs layered on top of each other. Hairstylist Jessica Miller was entrusted with the transformation, sharing, “We secured the wigs together and added braids to ensure everything stayed in place.” She emphasised that both Moroney and Parton share a love for experimenting with striking hairstyles, noting, “Megan adores big, bouncy waves—she’s open to nearly everything except a slick bun.”
Complementing the dramatic hair, makeup artist Jessica Candage employed soft, peach tones for Moroney’s look, aiming to encapsulate that quintessential Parton glamour. Highlighting the simplicity of transforming Moroney into Parton due to their shared features, Candage remarked, “Both women are stunning blondes with blue eyes, which made my job much easier.” Moroney, who recently partnered with Revlon, has worked with Candage for seven years and has been grateful for her support.
Moving on to the fashion aspect, Moroney’s stylist, Lindsey Dupuis Bledsoe, played a crucial role in replicating Parton’s visual aesthetics. The striped jumpsuit worn by Moroney was custom-made by designer Mariana Romanova. “Recreating this iconic look was immensely enjoyable, and Mariana pulled it off in just a day and a half,” Bledsoe shared. She also mentioned her dedication to accuracy, stating that she purchased Parton’s fashion book, “Behind the Seams”, to ensure that every detail of the original cover was faithfully represented.
The photo shoot for Moroney, titled ‘Icons’, marks yet another significant moment in a bustling 2026 for the actress and singer. Earlier in the year, she released her third studio album, “Cloud 9”, which she describes as a collection of “sassy” songs reflecting her confidence and self-awareness. Additionally, her recent involvement in Revlon’s “Be Unforgettable” campaign has thrust her further into the beauty spotlight, a role she has embraced with excitement.
“I felt a mix of fun and surreal experiences during the campaign,” Moroney explained, reflecting on her new role as a Revlon ambassador. “There were moments I had to step back and remind myself, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’ Every aspect of the experience has been so special.” As part of her duties, Moroney is set to feature in various advertisements promoting Revlon’s PhotoReady Collection—a line celebrated for its skin-friendly, high-performance makeup products—and the Glimmer franchise, known for its luminous formulations.
As Moroney prepares to embark on her “CLOUD 9” international tour starting on 29 May, fans can expect her to exude the kind of glamour that is reminiscent of Parton. She firmly attributes her flamboyant style to the inspiration derived from the country music icon, stating, “Dolly has always believed that more is more, and I echo that belief. I relish dressing up—I know exactly who I am, just as she does. Her unwavering confidence and genuine personality serve as a timeless inspiration to me.”
In an industry where authenticity often reigns supreme, Moroney’s commitment to her craft and the figures who inspire her illustrates her deep-rooted passion for music and performance. From channeling Dolly Parton to embarking on new projects, the young star is poised to make an indelible mark on the world of country music, drawing strength from her idols while carving out her own unique legacy.