Dolly Parton Reveals Unexpected Link Between Her 1978 Playboy Attire and Keanu Reeves
The surprising connection between the country legend and the Matrix actor traces back to their childhood days.
Dolly Parton made headlines by becoming the initial female country artist to grace Playboy’s cover in 1978. It turns out, the attire she sported during the magazine’s photoshoot holds an intriguing link to another well-known personality.
During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show this Monday, Dolly confirmed that her black bustier, bow tie, and bunny ears were crafted by costume designer Patricia Taylor, who happens to be the mother of actor Keanu Reeves.
The Grammy-winning artist reminisced about meeting a young Keanu when he used to accompany his mother during her work assignments. “She did a lot of sewing for me. She crafted many of my outfits,” Dolly stated. “I recall Keanu when he was just a little lad, and she would bring him over while we were fitting or when I visited the shop where she worked.”
Dolly mentioned an encounter years later when Keanu visited backstage to greet her after one of her concerts. At that point, the actor had gained fame through his roles in films such as Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Point Break.
“He said, ‘Do you remember me? I’m the little boy who used to be by your side when my mum was working,'” she recounted. “Of course, I was aware he had become a star. However, I hadn’t made the connection that it was him.”
In 2021, during an appearance on Red Table Talk, Keanu Reeves delved into his mother’s enduring professional association with Dolly Parton. While not specifying the exact year, he recounted donning Dolly Parton’s Playboy attire for a Halloween costume.
“I put on the ears and the bustier,” he shared. “I paired sneakers with fishnet stockings and a bowtie. With some rather long hair, I embodied Dolly Parton as a Playboy Bunny.”
Upon Drew Barrymore mentioning Keanu’s Halloween homage to Dolly, the singer seemed genuinely pleased.
“Aw, that’s lovely,” she responded. “He’s fantastic. Such a kind soul.”
Although Dolly didn’t pose nude in Playboy, her appearance on the magazine’s cover 45 years ago was considered a daring step for a widely recognized star.
In 2021, she recreated that iconic look as a birthday surprise for her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
“On Instagram,” she quipped, “He still sees me as an attractive woman after 57 years. I won’t dissuade him from that.”
Check out Dolly Parton’s interview with Drew Barrymore below.
