There's now a new way to keep the legacy of Dolly Parton alive.
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Last week, three limited-edition Dolly Dolls were released: Dreamin' in Gingham, World on Fire, and Diamond in a Rhinestone World. They are tied to the upcoming opening of Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville.
Who Came Up With the Idea of Dolly Parton Dolls?
As reported by PEOPLE, it was Rebecca Ann Seaver who came up with the idea for Dolly Dolls. She is Parton's niece and the executive director of the late singer's museum.
"This project actually came about because I had asked Dolly if we could put together a line of dolls with Integrity for the museum opening," explained Seaver. "And she obliged me and said that if that was something that I felt passionate about, that I could lead the project."
Parton died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80. But Seaver says the "Jolene" singer saw the finished Dolly Dolls before her death. She signed off on each component and had a photoshoot with them.
"She's had a Dolly Doll come out in every fantastic era of her life and career," says Seaver. "And so, we didn't know when we started the project that we were gonna lose her in it. But to be able to commemorate her and her joyous life and career this way is bittersweet. I'm very proud of it, and I'm very proud that we got to work with her on it and have her blessing with it."
The Dolls Are Selling Out Fast
When the Dolly Dolls came out last week, they sold out within hours. However, fans who didn't get one needn't worry.
"This one [drop] was kind of a test run to see how they were going to do, and they did great," explains Seaver. "I want people to know that we have more designs and we're ready to bring more out next year."
Some have said that the dolls don't look like Parton, but Seaver says they were never supposed to.
"Dolly wanted to do these dolls the way they were in their very glamorous package," said Seaver. "We wanted to make sure that these dolls feel like Dolly, but maybe if they don't look exactly like her, we're okay with that."
