Nicole Rifkin’s “Pure Gold”

For the cover of the September 7, 2026, issue, the artist Nicole Rifkin—a musician herself—pays homage to one of America’s most beloved icons, Dolly Parton, who died on August 25th, at the age of eighty. “I admire not only her and her music but also her generosity,” Rifkin said. “She touched the lives of millions of kids with her Imagination Library.”

For more covers about musicians, see below:

“In Ray We Trust,” by Eric Palma

“Purple Rain,” by Bob Staake

“The Queen of Soul,” by Kadir Nelson

Find Nicole Rifkin’s covers, cartoons, and more at the Condé Nast Store.