Dolly Parton has long been known for her timeless style, often wearing denim, plaid, and lace as a tribute to her country roots. However, fans have speculated for years that her frequent use of long sleeves might be to conceal a collection of vibrant tattoos, which she confirmed in a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair. Parton revealed that the tattoos were created from keloid scar tissue, adding that she doesn’t like to draw attention to them.

Keloid scars form when a wound heals and the scar tissue grows thicker, raised, and sometimes discolored. These scars can appear after minor injuries, such as piercings or acne spots, and are more common in individuals with darker skin tones. While they’re typically painless, they can sometimes spread beyond the original wound site.

Parton has never used her tattoos as a bold statement, preferring to keep them subtle and not draw attention to them. Despite this, her fans remain curious about her tattoos and the way she dresses to keep them hidden.

Throughout her career, Parton has sold over 100 million records and achieved 25 number-one hits on the country music charts. Despite her immense success, she has faced personal health challenges, which she discussed in her 2018 book, where she shared struggles with her health at age 35.