Dolly Parton's Makeup Look for Thanksgiving Day Football Game

(Image credit: Getty)

published 24 November 2023

I know this isn’t technically how fantasy football works, but if I were to dream up my ideal football game I would absolutely have Dolly Parton there. Also, there probably wouldn’t be any football—it would be a tea party. This is my vision, right?

During the Thursday, November 23 Dallas Cowboys versus Washington Commanders football game, Parton appeared at halftime for a six-minute concert. While the performance was stellar, her look is what really stole the show (and the game as a whole) when she appeared in a full-on Cowboys cheerleader outfit and matching eyeshadow.

Keeping with the team’s Americana theme, Dolly’s bright eyeshadow consisted of red and blue hues in a not at all subtle, swirly pattern. Alongside her mile-long eyelashes, she wore glossy red lipstick and a touch of blush, adding some tiny rhinestone butterfly clips to her blonde bouffant (a classic choice from her impressive wing collection).

While her lengthy red manicure was something to behold, my favorite beauty detail was a bedazzled star covering her bellybutton, on major display in the cropped uniform. Petition to make belly rhinestones a thing come summer, please?

“Well, hello, Texas! Dolly turns Dallas. You like my outfit?” the "Islands in the Stream" singer asked the adoring crowd, who roared in response.

In the end, the Cowboys did win the game by a landslide, beating the commanders 45 to 10. As you know, I’m no football expert...but I’m sure having the best cheerleader in the game had something to do with it.

Like every other day, we were all grateful for Dolly Parton this Thanksgiving. Texas especially.

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.

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