Watch Gayle King’s Final Interview with Dolly Parton: A Heartfelt Reflection on Style, Self-Expression, and Staying True to Yourself

In what has now become a cherished piece of television history, Gayle King’s final interview as host of CBS Mornings featured none other than the legendary Dolly Parton—a fitting guest for a farewell that celebrated authenticity, joy, and resilience. The two icons shared a candid and emotional conversation that went beyond music and fame, delving into the origins of Parton’s unmistakable image and the philosophy that has made her an enduring symbol of individuality.

💄 The Origins of an Iconic Look

Sitting across from Gayle King, Dolly Parton—then 70 years old—spoke with the wit and warmth that have defined her for decades. When asked about her signature look of platinum wigs, bright lipstick, and sequined ensembles, Parton smiled knowingly before revealing that her inspiration came from an unexpected place.

Growing up in Sevierville, Tennessee, young Dolly was mesmerized by a woman in her town who was often criticized for her flashy style. “She had bleached hair piled on her head, red nails, high heels, and tight clothes,” Parton recalled. “I thought she was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen. When people would say, ‘She ain’t nothing but trash,’ I’d think, ‘Well, that’s what I’m gonna be when I grow up.’”

It was a moment of childhood fascination that blossomed into a lifelong statement of self-expression. As Parton told King, her style wasn’t about rebellion—it was about confidence and creativity. “I wasn’t a natural beauty, so I created my own look,” she said with a laugh. “I built my own kind of pretty.”

💬 “It Costs a Lot of Money to Look This Cheap”

The conversation, filled with laughter and heart, showcased the easy rapport between the two women. King praised Parton’s ability to embrace humor and humility while maintaining an unmistakable glamour that’s remained constant through decades of change in the entertainment industry.

Parton, ever quick with a quip, delivered one of her most famous lines: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” Beneath the humor, though, was a message about authenticity. She explained that her style is more than just rhinestones and wigs—it’s a reflection of her inner spirit. “It’s not just about how I look,” she told King. “It’s about how I feel. I want people to see joy, to feel a little sparkle. That’s what I try to bring with me.”

She also shared a practical side to her trademark glamour, admitting that her love of wigs isn’t just about appearance—it’s also about convenience. “I don’t like to fuss with my hair all the time,” she joked. “Wigs make it easy for me to change looks without ruining my real hair.”

💖 Beyond Beauty: The Meaning Behind the Makeup

What stood out most in the interview was Parton’s deeper message about self-acceptance and aging gracefully. She told King, “I’m comfortable in my own skin—no matter how far I’ve stretched it,” drawing laughter from the studio audience. Beneath the humor lay a profound truth about embracing oneself at every stage of life.

For Parton, beauty is not confined to youth or perfection. “It’s about being yourself and being kind,” she said. That philosophy has long been a hallmark of her career, echoed not only in her fashion and music but in her philanthropy—particularly through her Imagination Library, which has donated millions of books to children worldwide.

🎶 A Legacy That Shines Beyond the Rhinestones

While the interview touched on her signature look, King also highlighted Parton’s extraordinary impact on both music and culture. From her timeless hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” to her trailblazing business ventures and humanitarian work, Parton’s influence extends far beyond the stage.

Her ability to blend humor with heart, vulnerability with strength, has made her a rare kind of icon—one who is universally admired yet profoundly relatable. As King noted during the interview’s closing moments, “Dolly reminds us that being true to yourself never goes out of style.”

📺 A Fitting Farewell

As Gayle King bid farewell to her role on CBS Mornings, her final interview with Dolly Parton felt like the perfect curtain call—two women of grace, intelligence, and humor reflecting on legacy and authenticity.

Parton, radiant as ever, ended the segment with a smile and a sentiment that captured her life philosophy:

“If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours. That’s what I try to do every day.”

It was the kind of wisdom only Dolly Parton could deliver—simple, sincere, and deeply human.

In an era of constant reinvention, this interview stood as a reminder that the most powerful transformation is staying true to who you are.