Dolly Parton and Kendra Scott's Jewelry Collab Features a Nod to One of the Singer's Most Iconic Songs (Exclusive)

The collaboration between Dolly Parton and Kendra Scott is written in the stars.

The couple met in 2022 when the jewelry designer had the opportunity to go backstage at Parton’s concert in Austin, Texas.

“We just clicked,” Scott, who founded her eponymous brand in 2002, tells PEOPLE. “We hit it off really well, and she knew about my jewelry, and here we are. The next thing I knew, we were saying, ‘Let’s go into business together. What do you think?'”

Via Zoom, the country legend chimes in with his trademark: “And it was one of the best ideas we’ve had in a long time.”

Marking the beginning of a multi-year collaboration, the collection celebrates the 50th anniversary of Parton’s song “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” which was released in 1974 — the same year Scott was born.

Dolly Parton for Kendra Scott.

Kendra Scott

“The butterfly represents so much to both of us,” explains Scott. “It’s about transformation. And they’re these beautiful, colorful, amazing creatures that really just bring joy to the world. I know for us, we both felt like that’s what we wanted to do, and we couldn’t think of a better song for this collection.”

Given the seemingly cosmic connection between Parton and Scott, it seems only right that their pieces of jewelry would be loaded with meaning. Among 10 unique designs adorned with Kendra Scott’s signature silhouettes and iconic gemstones, the collection features the Dolly Parton x Kendra Scott 1974 Necklace, the exact year the necklace was created.

Dolly Parton x Kendra Scott Jewelry Collection.

Kendra Scott

Dolly Parton names the song she’s most proud of writing — and her answer might come as a surprise

While fans may expect bold colors and over-the-top designs inspired by Parton’s style, Scott was interested in exploring the softer side of the country icon. “When I designed this collection, I felt so feminine… you think of pink. You think of those soft colors. You think of a butterfly fluttering in your heart, [which is] why do we have a musical heart. All those things kind of went together in the design.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!

“What she saw was the tasteful side of me, and then she applied what she knows and how she makes her jewelry,” Parton adds. “But God knows what we might do next.”

Dolly Parton x Kendra Scott Jewelry Collection.

Kendra Scott

Future collections could very well channel the self-proclaimed “kitsch” the songwriter has become known for, the duo tease. After all, it’s part of Parton’s DNA.

“We didn’t have money to buy anything,” Parton recalls of his childhood. Instead of buying jewelry, she would pick wild berries and paint bracelets on her wrists. “And then I would use the same colors on my face,” she says. “I just naturally always wanted to be more than I was. I just had an inner thing that wanted to do more on the outside.”

Dolly Parton x Kendra Scott Jewelry Collection.

Kendra Scott

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Parton’s intrinsic individuality is the pillar of her artistry — and that’s exactly what this collection aims to celebrate.

“I think so many women around the world admire her,” says Scott. “And she’s admired not just for the beautiful music she writes, but for the person she is. Throughout her life, she’s been constantly changing. She’s transformed communities. She’s transformed people’s lives. So we hope that when you wear this, you’ll discover that inner Dolly , that inner confidence and that jewelry makes you not only look good, but feel good.”

The Dolly Parton x Kendra Scott collection is now available in stores and online at KendraScott.com.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education