If you’re a Dolly Parton fan, you’ve probably noticed that the country music legend rarely appears in public with her arms open. On stage, in videos, and on the red carpet, the singer invariably chooses dresses and blouses with long sleeves, and, of course, always looks impeccable. However, many are wondering: what is she hiding under these clothes?

According to Jezebel, the reason may be tattoos, which the artist prefers not to show to the public. They say that this is why she often wears not only closed outfits, but also gloves.

In 2013, actress Jennifer Saunders (of Absolutely Fabulous fame) told the Australian show Sunday Night that she had personally seen Dolly Parton’s tattoos. According to her, they were graceful drawings of angels, butterflies, and flower arrangements in soft pastel colors. The singer showed them in an informal setting and then asked not to tell anyone.

Later, Dolly herself admitted in an interview with Good Morning America that she really loves tattoos depicting butterflies and flowers. According to the singer, she associates butterflies with dreams and freedom.

Parton also told Jay Leno that she has an angel tattoo, but denied rumors of full sleeves: “I don’t have a lot of designs, scattered here and there. “I’m not a biker girl at all,” she joked.

Although Dolly Parton did not explicitly confirm that long sleeves were necessary to cover tattoos, the singer admitted she initially got them to disguise scars. Speaking to Vanity Fair, she said:

“I don’t like to draw attention to this – people already react too violently to every little thing. I got my first tattoos to hide the scars, because I tend to form keloids, and the skin in these places takes on a purple tint.”

Plastic surgeon Yoannis Goutos (British Skin Institute) explains:

“A keloid is a large scar that occurs at the site of skin damage and extends beyond the original wound.

Such scars look like shiny lumps and can grow over time and recur for no apparent reason. They most often form on the shoulders, chest, and neck. The British health system notes that keloids are not dangerous, but can cause psychological distress.

Dolly Parton does not hide the fact that she suffers from keloid scars, and many are wondering if it is possible to get rid of them. Doctors say that complete removal is impossible, but cosmetic improvement is possible. Methods include corticosteroid injections, surgical excision, laser, cryotherapy, compression therapy, and radiation.

However, even after treatment, keloids can recur, so the approach must be comprehensive and individualized.