Over a thousand people dressed like country singer Dolly Parton gathered in Listowel, Ireland, hoping to set a world record. Held in an outdoor soccer field, the event attracted both locals and out-of-towners in blonde wigs and cowboy hats. According to the Irish Examiner, attendees were required to don “a full head-to-toe Dolly Parton costume” and be “instantly recognizable” as the singer. Many participants went as far as stuffing their shirts with inflated balloons!
Currently, Guinness World Record officials are reviewing the gathering for certification, and the process should take about eight to 12 weeks. USA Today tells us that no one else has attempted to set a record for the most Dolly Parton look-alikes in one place. However, Listowel is already on the books for having hosted the biggest gathering of people dressed up in nuns’ habits.
Setting a world record wasn’t the only goal of the Dolly Parton gathering. Proceeds from the occasion were donated to cancer charities Kerry Hospice Foundation and Comfort for Chemo Kerry. DollyDay has its own Instagram account, which was used to promote the event.
We’re not sure if Dolly Parton herself knows about the crowd at Listowel, but the Irish Examiner tells us that one eventgoer plans to show her some photos! Eugene Naughton, one of the presidents of Dollywood, boasts a personal relationship with the country star. He hopes that after seeing the event held in her honor, she’ll take the time to visit the Irish town.
“She’s really awesome, I’m kid number seven, with five older sisters and I often tell people she’s exactly like talking to one of my older sisters,” Eugene said of Dolly. “We have a lot of fun talking about big dreams for the future and where we’re headed as a business. That’s where she spends a lot of time and effort.”
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