After 46 iconic years, Dolly Magazine has come to an end.
Now, one of its most iconic editors, Lisa Wilkinson, has paid tribute to the bible that brought joy and confidence to many an Aussie teen’s life.
“A magazine that for 46 years was a bible to so many generations of young Aussie women – including yours truly,” Wilkinson wrote alongside an image of the magazine’s July 1983 cover – one The Today Show host later pointed out was “one of our biggest sellers during my time as editor.”
"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. 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," she continued.
"Vale Dolly. So many of us will never forget you."
The closure of Dolly was announced by Bauer Media on Wednesday afternoon, who cited declining sales as the primary reason for the decision.
Others, however, have pointed out the publication's inability to transition into the digital world.
Speaking to news.com.au following the announcement, Wilkinson, who became editor of the magazine at just 21 years old in 1981, said “I’m incredibly sad hearing the news and feel for all the journalists who are losing their jobs but in the ever-changing world — and possibly an industry that was slow to recognise the changes that were happening at warped speed — it looks like it was inevitable.” (Post continues after gallery.)
“It was certainly the making of my career. I learnt everything from the ground up when I worked at Dolly. I mean, where else could you start as the receptionist at 19 and be the editor at 21?” the 56-year-old went on thankfully.
“It was a bible for teenage girls. There’ll be a lot of women around the country who will feel a tinge of sadness to see the passing of a magazine that was at the centre of their teenage years.”
Lisa Wilkinson speaks to Mia Freedman about her career progression over the years.