Yes, That Really Happened: Hulk Hogan Starred in One of Dolly Parton’s Wildest Music Videos
While Dolly Parton and Hulk Hogan were never a real-life couple, they did tie the knot—in true over-the-top TV fashion—during a hilarious skit on her 1987 variety show.
In the premiere episode of Dolly, which aired on September 27, 1987, Dolly introduced a tongue-in-cheek music video for her song “Headlock on My Heart.” The tune itself was a cheeky nod to tabloid rumors swirling at the time about Dolly dating a 300-pound wrestler.
Naturally, the Queen of Country leaned all the way into the joke.
Enter: Hulk Hogan as “Starlight Starbright”
Decked out in his iconic red-and-yellow gear, Hogan steps into the ring as a character named Starlight Starbright to face off against “Iron” Mike Sharpe. After body-slamming the competition, he lifts Dolly into his arms for an in-ring wedding—complete with vows, cheers, and plenty of campy charm.
The skit plays off Dolly’s exaggerated fangirl persona. At one point, she even screams “Starlight Starbright!” from the stands like a giddy teenager watching her wrestling crush in action.
And yes, the lyrics match the mayhem:
He’s got a headlock on my heart / It was a takedown from the start / I love the heart that beats beneath his massive golden chest / I guess you could say he’s pinned me down for a lifetime.
Hogan Thought She Was Serious… At First
According to Hogan’s 2002 autobiography, Dolly personally called him at home to pitch the idea. She gushed about being a fan, which left him a bit confused — and flattered.
“At first, I thought I was something special,” Hogan wrote. “She kept saying how much she loved me. But then I saw her do the same with everyone—the cameraman, the key grip, everybody. That’s just who she is. That’s Dolly.”
Watch the Hilarious “Headlock on My Heart” Music Video Below
Part parody, part love letter to pop culture, this unexpected crossover between country royalty and wrestling legend remains a shining example of Dolly’s humor, charm, and showbiz genius.
👀 You’ve never seen a wedding like this before.