Ever wondered why Dolly Parton always looks picture-perfect? There's a reason behind that iconic look. After decades of hiding her natural hair under elaborate wigs and her face under layers of makeup, the 72-year-old country legend has built an image that she feels compelled to maintain. "It’s important because I don’t want someone to see me and be disappointed," Dolly revealed in 2003. With her signature humor, she added, "What they’re seeing reflects the phony that I am." But let's break this down a bit more.

The Wig Game: How It All Started

According to the Associated Press, Dolly's journey with wigs began years ago when she realized her naturally fine hair just couldn't handle the dye jobs and teasing she loved so much. Now, she keeps a dozen wigs on hand at all times, ready for any occasion. "It got to be fun for me, a conversational piece," she shared. "But this is how I think I look the best. I’m not a natural beauty, and this is just the look I chose." It's clear that Dolly's style is a choice, one that she enjoys and embraces fully.

via GIPHY

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Dolly's Candid Take on Enhancements

The legendary singer behind "I Will Always Love You" has never shied away from discussing her cosmetic enhancements. "If I see something saggin’, baggin’, or draggin’, I’m [gonna] have it nipped, tucked, or sucked!" she once said famously. And when she appeared at a senior center dedication in her hometown of Sevier County, TN, earlier this month, she joked that she looks like a million bucks because she's spent that much to achieve it. Dolly's humor and honesty make her all the more relatable and endearing to her fans.

Her Magic: Artificial Yet Real

Back in 2003, Dolly explained her philosophy: "Part of the magic is that I look so totally artificial but I am so totally real." She also mentioned that she can put on her wig and makeup in under a half-hour if needed, and she would never step out of the house without them. "Unless my husband [Carl Dean] is dying of a heart attack, and even then I would think about it," she quipped. It's this dedication to her image that has helped cement her status as an icon.

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I hope you're able to take a second and put on a big grin today!
A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton) on May 3, 2018 at 10:06am PDT

Behind the Glamour

Even Ted Miller, her longtime business manager, hasn't seen Dolly looking anything less than glamorous by that point. "Nor will I ever," he said. "Dolly is Dolly. She never steps out unless she’s complete. She may sleep in it. I assume Carl Dean has seen her not in full-regalia." This level of commitment to her image speaks volumes about Dolly's dedication to her craft and her brand.