The Denver Art Museum announced that two of the late Dolly Parton’s glittering stage costumes will be on public view as part of its upcoming “DIVA” exhibition. The show, which arrives from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, marks the only U.S. stop for the traveling collection and will run from Oct. 4 through Jan. 31.
Local celebration of a beloved artist
Denver residents will have the opportunity to see the famed costumes up close, a fitting tribute to Parton’s decades‑long impact on music, storytelling and charitable work. The museum will also host a conversation in early January with longtime members of The Dolly Parton Archives, giving attendees insight into how her legacy is curated and preserved.
What visitors can expect
In addition to Parton’s outfits, the exhibition will feature nearly 60 costumes representing about 100 iconic “divas.” Highlights include garments once worn by Marilyn Monroe, Aretha Franklin, RuPaul, Lady Gaga, Cher (designed by Bob Mackie), Rihanna’s Met Gala looks, and Josephine Baker’s show‑girl attire. A special display will honor Mexican film legend María Félix, and the exhibit will trace the evolution of the diva figure from 19th‑century opera to modern pop culture.
Family‑friendly programming
The museum encourages families to attend, noting that the exhibit aligns with Dolly Parton’s own commitment to children’s literacy. Her Imagination Library, which provides free books to young readers, recently received a surge of community support that helped keep the program running in Denver and Mesa County. Ticket sales will support the museum’s educational initiatives.
Community response
Local fans have expressed excitement about the chance to celebrate Parton’s “seven‑decade career” and her philanthropic spirit. Allison Cohn, writing for 303 Magazine after Parton’s 2016 Red Rocks performance, called her “a freakin’ super star” and praised her rise from a modest upbringing in the Smoky Mountains to a cultural icon who even owns her own theme park.
While the cause of Parton’s death has not been disclosed, the exhibition offers a respectful way for Denver’s community to remember her music, kindness and enduring influence. Tickets are available online, and the museum recommends purchasing early to secure seats for the opening weekend.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
