15 of the most iconic female country stars of all time, from Dolly Parton to Kacey Musgraves

Frank OlitoJan 16, 2021, 17:57 IST

Dolly Parton is one of the best female country music stars.Getty

Despite being a male-dominated genre, country music has seen plenty of female superstars.
Musicians like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn all paved the way for future female singers.
Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, and Faith Hill have found mainstream success as country music stars.

Although country music is diversifying, the genre has long been considered a boys' club. Even so, female singers have broken through to climb the charts and to challenge the male-dominated genre.

As they made a name for themselves, icons like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Loretta Lynn all paved the way for future female country music stars.

From the 1930s to today, here are the most iconic female country music stars of all time.

Kitty Wells is known as one of the first female country superstars.

Kitty Wells. Mark humphrey/ AP

Patsy Cline became a mentor to other female country stars before her untimely death.

Patsy Cline. AP

Loretta Lynn went from a coal miner's daughter to a country star.

Loretta Lynn. Rich Fury/ AP

Barbara Mandrell started touring with Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline before becoming a country superstar.

Barbara Mandrell. Mark Humphery/ AP

Dolly Parton has become a cultural icon in the world of country music and beyond.

Dolly Parton. Mark Humphrey/ AP

Reba McEntire is often referred to as the "Queen of Country."

Reba McEntire. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Tanya Tucker became famous for her chart-topping singles.

Tanya Tucker. MediaPunch/ AP

Shania Twain produced one of the best-selling country albums of all time.

Shania Twain. Al Bello/Getty

Miranda Lambert went from reality TV contestant to bona fide country star.

Miranda Lambert. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The Chicks are one of the most popular country music groups in history.

The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Lee Ann Womack went from local songwriter to hit country star.

Lee Ann Womack. Getty

LeAnn Rimes became a country music sensation at age 13.

LeAnn Rimes. Rick Diamond / Staff / Getty Images

Faith Hill has become one of the most recognizable faces in country music.

Faith Hill. Charles Sykes/ AP

Carrie Underwood started her career as a reality TV contestant but went on to become one of the most successful country artists.

Carrie Underwood. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Kacey Musgraves is often considered the future of female country music.

Kacey Musgraves. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

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