Steve Summers, the creative director who shaped Dolly Parton’s iconic wardrobe, has shared his heartfelt memories of the late singer, reflecting on the profound impact she had on his life and the world. Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of authenticity, creativity, and compassion.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dolly-Parton-and-Steve-Summers697-08312026-19204fdeb4214e51ac399b4684dd7e08.jpg)
Summers first encountered Parton’s work as a child in the summer of 1974. At the age of ten, he was captivated by her presence on the covers of vinyl records that adorned his grandfather’s walls. “I can remember being fascinated by her,” Summers reminisced. “As a little gay boy, I was drawn to the pictures, the hair, the clothes, and the confidence she exuded.” Though he could not articulate it at the time, Summers sensed that Parton was someone who was comfortable in her own skin.
This early admiration laid the groundwork for Summers’s eventual career with Parton. After starting at Dollywood in the 1990s as a singer and dancer, he went on to work closely with the country music icon for over three decades, designing countless outfits and helping craft her public persona. Reflecting on her death, Summers expressed a blend of grief and appreciation: “It hurts. I lost my friend, my coworker, my mentor, and my muse. Yet, witnessing the remarkable impact she had on the world is a source of joy amid the pain,” he explained.
Their first meeting took place in 1991 at a Christmas festival, where Summers was tasked with ensuring Parton’s safety as she delivered a speech atop a large drum. The trust Parton placed in him during that moment forged a bond that would last a lifetime. “I remember thinking, ‘I will not let you fall. No matter what,’” he recalled. This commitment to support her became a central aspect of his role in her professional life.
As the creative director for Dolly Parton Enterprises since 2006, Summers has numerous cherished memories that showcase Parton’s warmth and compassion. One particularly touching moment occurred after he moved to Nashville and Parton helped him settle into his new apartment. While searching for his young son, he discovered Parton outside, playfully engaging with the child. “In that moment, she was entertaining him as if he were the entire audience,” Summers said. This illustrated her genuine spirit and ability to connect with people, regardless of the situation.
Over the years, Summers’ family grew close to Parton, highlighting her unwavering kindness. “All of my kids have been held by Dolly when they were infants, and now she has held their babies too,” he noted. Parton’s influence extended beyond mere mentorship; she nurtured Summers’ professional growth by encouraging him to enhance his design skills at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
In reflecting on Parton’s legacy, Summers expressed a desire for fans to embody the lessons she exemplified throughout her life. “It’s astonishing how she impacted the world simply by being her authentic self,” he stated. He believes that everyone can take inspiration from Parton’s approach to life and apply her values to their own experiences. By embracing love and compassion, individuals can contribute to a positive transformation in society.
Summers’s shared memories of Parton highlight not only the artistic journey they embarked on together, but also a personal connection characterised by mutual respect, love, and understanding. He hopes that by celebrating Parton’s life, we can recognise the potential of each individual to make a difference in the world. “Imagine if everyone applied even a fraction of what she offered,” he reflected. “We could change the entire world.”
Dolly Parton may have left this earthly realm, but her spirit and teachings will undoubtedly carry on through those she inspired, including Steve Summers. As her fans and loved ones remember her, they are encouraged to honour her legacy by embracing authenticity, kindness, and the sheer joy of connection – values which she exemplified throughout her life. In doing so, they can keep her remarkable spirit alive for generations to come.