Is Megan Moroney the Next Dolly Parton? Her Bold 2026 Homage Says Yes

In April 2026, Megan Moroney stepped into the spotlight in a way that sent country music fans into a frenzy. For PEOPLE magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful issue, the rising superstar recreated Dolly Parton’s iconic 1974 Jolene album cover as part of the “Icons Only” feature. The homage — complete with signature blonde hair, bold makeup, and that unmistakable confidence — wasn’t just a fashion moment. It felt like a passing of the torch. Is Megan Moroney the Next Dolly Parton?

Is Megan Moroney the Next Dolly Parton?

At just 28 years old (the same age Dolly was when she released Jolene), Moroney channeled her idol with stunning accuracy. She wore a custom Lucy Adams-inspired jumpsuit and worked with a glam team that used multiple wigs to perfect the look. The recreation quickly went viral, sparking conversations about whether the “Emo Cowgirl” is poised to become country music’s next legendary icon.

From Georgia Roots to Country Superstardom

Born Megan Ann Moroney on October 9, 1997, in Douglasville, Georgia, Moroney grew up in a musical household but initially pursued accounting at the University of Georgia. After performing at sorority events and realizing her passion for songwriting, she moved to Nashville in 2020.

Her breakthrough came with the viral hit “Tennessee Orange” from her 2023 debut album Lucky. The clever, heartfelt track about falling for a rival team’s player resonated instantly. Her sophomore album Am I Okay? (2024) delivered more emotional anthems like the title track and “No Caller ID,” earning her six CMA nominations in 2025 and solidifying her as a fresh voice in country.

Then came 2026. Her third studio album Cloud 9, released February 20, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — her first chart-topping project. Lead singles like “6 Months Later” and “Beautiful Things” showcased her signature blend of witty, vulnerable lyrics with bold, confident energy.

The Dolly Connection: Style, Substance, and Fearless Femininity

Megan Moroney has long cited Dolly Parton as a major influence — not just musically, but in attitude and stage presence. On tour, she embraces “over-the-top” glamorous looks, often joking that when she wonders if an outfit is too much, she asks herself, “What would Dolly do?”

Her 2026 Jolene recreation wasn’t her first Dolly tribute. She previously dressed as the icon for Halloween, nailing everything from the Playboy bunny look to classic 1970s glamour. This latest homage, however, feels more significant: it places Moroney alongside other stars channeling their heroes in PEOPLE’s Icons feature, signaling her arrival as a cultural force.

What makes the comparison compelling?

• Songwriting Mastery — Like Dolly, Moroney writes sharp, relatable stories about love, heartbreak, confidence, and self-discovery.

• Bold Personality — Both women own their femininity unapologetically. Moroney’s “Emo Cowgirl” aesthetic mixes vulnerability with fierce independence.

• Business Savvy & Glam — In April 2026, Moroney became a global ambassador for Revlon’s “Be Unforgettable” campaign, fronting makeup lines that celebrate confidence and glow — echoing Dolly’s long-standing beauty and entertainment empire.

• Massive Commercial Success — Leading the 2026 ACM Awards with nine nominations (including her first Entertainer of the Year nod), Moroney is dominating at a level few female artists achieve so quickly.

  
  

Cloud 9 Tour and the Road Ahead - Is Megan Moroney the Next Dolly Parton?

Moroney is backing up the hype with her biggest headlining run yet: The Cloud 9 Tour, launching May 29, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, and hitting major arenas across North America and Europe through October. The tour features sold-out stops and underscores her evolution from intimate venues to stadium-level stardom.

Fans love her for blending raw emotion with upbeat anthems — the same magic that made Dolly a global treasure. While no one can truly replace the Queen of Country, Moroney’s witty lyrics, fearless style, and chart-dominating presence suggest she’s carving out her own legendary path.

Is Megan Moroney the next Dolly Parton? The bold 2026 homage, ACM dominance, No. 1 album, and Revlon glow-up say she’s well on her way.

FAQ About Megan Moroney and Her Dolly Parton Homage

Q: Did Megan Moroney really recreate Dolly Parton’s Jolene cover? A: Yes. In April 2026, she recreated the iconic 1974 Jolene album cover for PEOPLE magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful “Icons Only” feature.

Q: What is Megan Moroney’s biggest album in 2026? A: Cloud 9, released February 20, 2026. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking her first all-genre chart-topper.

Q: How many nominations did Megan Moroney get at the 2026 ACM Awards? A: Nine — the most of any artist. She earned her first Entertainer of the Year nomination and leads in several categories including Female Artist of the Year.

Q: Is Megan Moroney a Revlon ambassador? A: Yes. In April 2026, she joined Revlon as a global ambassador for the “Be Unforgettable” campaign, promoting the PhotoReady and Glimmer collections.

Q: What is the Cloud 9 Tour? A: Megan Moroney’s 2026 arena headline tour supporting her album Cloud 9. It kicks off May 29 in Columbus, OH, and includes major stops across the U.S. and Europe.

Q: What style of music does Megan Moroney make? A: Modern country with emotional, witty songwriting. She blends heartfelt ballads, confident breakup anthems, and upbeat tracks that appeal to both country and pop audiences.

Q: Has Megan Moroney won any major awards? A: Yes. She won the 2023 ACM New Female Artist of the Year, 2024 CMA New Artist of the Year, and the first-ever Best Country award at the 2025 MTV VMAs.

Q: How old is Megan Moroney? A: She turned 28 in October 2025 — the same age Dolly Parton was when she released the Jolene album.

Q: What are Megan Moroney’s biggest hits? A: “Tennessee Orange,” “Am I Okay?,” “6 Months Later,” “Beautiful Things,” and fan favorites from Cloud 9 like “I’m Not Pretty” and “Girl in the Mirror.”

Q: Does Megan Moroney write her own songs? A: Absolutely. She’s known as a strong songwriter who draws from personal experiences, much like her idol Dolly Parton.