BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) - Bedazzled clothing, oversized hair clips, and bleached blonde wigs filled Second Street in Bay St. Louis on Saturday.
They were there for the ninth annual ‘Dolly Should’ celebration, honoring country music icon Dolly Parton ahead of her 80th birthday.
Meagan Possoit came from Louisiana with a group of her girlfriends. For her and many others, Dolly is an inspiration.
“Her kindness and her authenticity and her confidence and everything she represents all of what our friendship means to us,” Possoit said.
“Dolly’s got a heart of gold. She’s a good role model for the young, even the old – the older ladies, so it’s just a really good, fun time," Bay St. Louis resident Sandy Walsh said.
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Marian Glaser created her costume by hand, using cardboard. She’s a big fan and says she’s honored to share the same birthday month.
“She’s such a great person; she cares about children and charities. I just love Dolly,” she said. “I’ve seen some paper doll costumes and then I thought: paper Dolly!”
People in wigs broke out their best dance moves. Some even competed in the highest hair and Dolly look-alike contests. Many who attended said they came to celebrate kindness, friendship, and love.
“Happy Birthday, Dolly,” Glaser said.
In addition to a “9 to 5K run,” the event included a children’s book drive in honor of Dolly’s literacy initiative.
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