Steve Summers, the man behind Dolly Parton‘s glimmering stage costumes, is taking fans inside their 35-year creative journey together and opening up about his heartbreak after the country music legend’s shock death on Tuesday, August 25.
Although Dolly had been transparent about her recent health struggles, TMZ said they learned from sources that even those closest to the “Jolene” songstress didn’t foresee her passing away so soon.
A People Exclusive published on the morning of Tuesday, September 1, says Summers, now 62, grew up as a fan of Dolly’s before going on to become her close friend and longtime creative director.
Reflecting on his incredible journey from fan to designer, the outlet quotes him as saying, “I can remember being fascinated by her.” He went on to say how inspired he was by pictures of her hair and clothes, and how he was struck by “the absolute comfort” with herself she displayed.
GettyThe piece says he recalls having his bedroom walls plastered with the glamorous beauty’s vinyl covers at the age of 10. He also nostalgically looks back on how his grandfather, who had a special appreciation for Dolly’s lyricism, used to fill the house with the sounds of her music.
Summers calls Dolly’s death a “fascinating juxtaposition between pain and joy,” and says she was many things to him including a coworker, muse, friend, and mentor. “All of those things were wrapped into one human. And so that is bad.”
However, Summers takes comfort in the fact that the way Dolly uniquely touched the world and her “ability to love and spread joy and compassion” are being remembered.
How Did Steve Summers Meet Dolly Parton?
Per the People exclusive, Summers revealed his first time coming face-to-face with the “Islands in the Stream” singer was a chance encounter at a 1991 Christmas Festival after the was brought on as a singer and dancer at Dollywood. On that day, he was assigned the task of assisting Dolly as she delivered a speech from the top of a tall drum prop.
He poignantly remembers thinking “I will not let you fall. No matter what it is, I will not let you fall,” in response to her nervous requests for assurance during the stunt.
He officially took his job as creative director at Dolly Parton Enterprises in 2006, a post he’s held ever since. He says Dolly has held every one of his children and grandchildren as babies.
He says he’s taking away lessons of love from her legacy. “One person can change the way that the world sees love, and she did.”
As Dolly’s costume designer, Summers painstakingly thought of every details, down to making sure the four mannequins he had made of Dolly’s exact proportions were “never naked,” always making sure to have them dressed in bathrobes when not in use.
People says Dolly once told them of Summers that while she noticed his talent for singing, dancing, and choreographing, she knew “there was a lot more he could do.” She added, “I truly feel blessed to have Steve Summers in my life. He’s one of my dearest and most loyal friends.”
