Iconic teen magazine Dolly has closed today after 46 years of talking to Australia’s teenage girls.
From next month, the magazine’s print version will cease and it will move to a digital-only format. The news comes just seven months after the title’s publisher Bauer reduced its print edition to a bimonthly run.
“Dolly readers predominantly engage with the brand on digital and social platforms and they do so with greater frequency than is possible with a bi-monthly magazine – this means it’s no longer feasible to continue publishing the magazine on a regular basis,” CEO of Bauer Nick Chan said.
“Dolly has played a part in the lives of many Australians over the years, which is why we’re delighted its outstanding content continues but now, exclusively, on the channels today’s teens prefer to interact with most.”
Former editors Lisa Wilkinson and Bronwyn McCahon have shared tributes to the magazine on Instagram.
“I collected every single issue when I was in high school devouring the fashion, the pop stars, the big sisterly advice and of course, the iconic Dolly Doctor,” Wilkinson, who became Dolly‘s youngest editor in 1981, wrote.
“As the old jingle went, Dolly was a girl like me. To then get my first job there was a joy I’ll never forget…and I went to on spend seven years there – five of them as editor.”
Here are some of the things the Dolly readers of the Mamamia office will miss most:
The content
The relatable teen experiences! The How Embarrassment stories! It was all so good.
“Dolly celebrated young women and their achievements and gave practical advice around eating disorders and bullying – things they mightn’t have been able to ask a parent or friend.” – Edwina
“I had a subscription to Dolly pretty much my whole high school life. And every month, I would painstakingly read every single page – especially the features – and would turn the magazine to the side to check the byline for each one. I can still remember the names of certain writers circa 2002-2004.” – Kahla
Dolly Doctor
Ripping open that sealed section is a cherished high school memory for many of us. And Dolly Doctor always had our best interests at heart — a recent study found the section’s health advice was more accurate than that included in so called “health” magazines. Thanks, DD.
“I remember reading the Dolly Dr section with school friends hiding in the playground. It seemed so naughty but I learned so much.” –Jess
“My parents decided I was too young for Dolly so my friends would bring their copies to school and we would pour over every article at lunch time. My sister got her Dolly Doctor question published and got a prize for it – I was so jealous.” – Rachel
“Dolly Doctor was not just read by girls. The guys at my school were obsessed.” – Josh
One of our writers even admitted to writing to Dolly Doctor. Her question was answered and she felt “much better.”
The opportunities for young writers
“When I went into Dolly for work experience I borrowed all of my sister’s clothes and cross-referenced them with what all the girls in Dolly were wearing. They were so welcoming and let me take part in everything they were doing.” – Valentina
“In a move my 13-year-old self would’ve been proud of, I ended up working there – both in print and then later online” – Edwina
Watch: Mia Freedman shares her thoughts on the beloved Dolly magazine. (Post continues after video.)
The freebies
The one thing that could make buying the latest copy of Dolly even more exciting? Finding a free Lip Smacker stuck to the front.
The posters
Thanks to Dolly, many a teenager’s room was adorned with celebrity faces.
“I used to have an Orlando Bloom poster from Dolly on my wall. And Milo Ventimiglia as well, at the height of my Gilmore Girls obsession.” – Kahla
Click through to see some truly iconic Dolly covers.
The most memorable Dolly covers
Vale, Dolly. Thanks for all the good times and great advice.
Top Comments
Alison Bray (spelling?). It was the early 90's and we thought she was fantastic.
Alison Brahe
Same, she was just so gorgeous. And then she married Cameron Daddo and they were the most gorgeous couple ever!
I was born in 1980 and probably started reading Dolly around 1992. I still have every issue from 1993, which featured models Erica Baxter (ex Packer), Tanya Linney & Siew Longhorn plus the Miranda Kerr first cover issue somewhere. Oh and I have I think all issues that featured the late Krissy Taylor also. I remember reading in an interview how her favourite cover ever was the one of her with the pink background. I even remember it was an October issues.