Embracing Dolly: Megan Moroney's Tribute to a Country Legend

Megan Moroney, a singer, has always been a huge fan of Dolly Parton and drew inspiration from her in various aspects of her life. She recreated Parton's iconic 1974 Jolene album cover for PEOPLE's 2026 World's Most Beautiful issue as a tribute to the country legend. Growing up, Moroney was surrounded by Parton's music, which influenced her own style and career. She admires Parton's confidence, kindness, and talent, and sees her as a source of inspiration for embracing who she is.

To transform into Parton, Moroney worked with her glam team to recreate the country icon's signature look. Her hairstylist combined multiple wigs to achieve Parton's voluminous hair, while her stylist enlisted a local designer to recreate Parton's jumpsuit. A Nashville makeup artist matched Moroney's beauty look to Parton's with neutral and peach tones. At 28, Moroney is the same age Parton was when she released Jolene, and she finds it inspiring to think about the future and the potential impact of her own work.

Moroney's third album, Cloud 9, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the biggest debut by a female country artist in two years. She collaborated with Kacey Musgraves on the duet "Bells & Whistles," a dream come true for Moroney, who has been a fan of Musgraves for years. As she prepares for her Cloud 9 international arena tour, Moroney aims to create a space for emotional release and connection with her audience. Embracing an attitude of gratitude, Moroney looks forward to the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead in her career.

For more stories and features on the World's Most Beautiful, including cover star Anne Hathaway, check out the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands Friday.