Dolly Parton and Hulk Hogan “tied the knot” in a shocking in-ring ceremony aired live

The Night Dolly “Wed” Hulk Hogan

In the late ’80s, before viral stunts ruled pop culture, Dolly Parton staged one of television’s strangest — and most charming — spectacles: a mock wedding to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.

A Glittery TV Debut

The moment happened in 1987 during the premiere of Dolly, her short-lived ABC variety show. Blending music, comedy, and wrestling theatrics, the skit struck a balance between parody and pure entertainment.

From Song to Slam

Dolly opened with her playful tune Headlock on My Heart, a tongue-in-cheek nod to tabloid gossip linking her to wrestlers. Then Hogan, playing his flashy persona “Starlight Starbright,” stormed the ring, slammed an opponent, and carried Dolly into a staged wedding ceremony.

Dolly’s Wild Idea

The concept was Dolly’s creation. She personally invited Hogan, who admitted he was both flattered and baffled, but quickly understood this was her way of sharing joy and spectacle.

Hogan Out of His Comfort Zone

Even for a man used to theatrical showdowns, the rhinestones, mock vows, and country ballads felt like uncharted territory — but he embraced the fun.

Why It Worked

What made the stunt memorable was Dolly’s sincerity. She wasn’t mocking wrestling or gossip; she turned both into a dazzling fantasy, and audiences adored it.

A Lasting Pop Culture Oddity

Decades later, photos of Dolly in a wedding dress beside Hogan still circulate online, reminding fans of a time when television wasn’t afraid to be over-the-top, heartfelt, and utterly ridiculous.