It’s no secret that Dolly Parton is a legend in her own right. Famous for her amazing voice, hair, business savvy, and larger than life personality, this beloved entertainer has earned a place in the hearts and minds of many. Throughout her impressive career, Parton has given the world some seriously incredible quotes that both inspire and entertain. Whether discussing her country music, her line of business ventures, her philanthropy, or her somewhat outrageous fashion sense, there’s no denying that Dolly Parton has plenty of wisdom to share.
To honor this amazing lady and her legacy, let’s take a look at some of the all-time best Dolly Parton quotes.
On Her Music
There’s no denying that Dolly Parton is best known for her music. From country classics such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” to her massive crossover pop collaboration with Kenny Rogers “Islands in the Stream,” Parton has delivered countless timeless tunes that fans around the world still love today. Here’s what the singer has to say about her own creative process.
• “I always try to put something in my songs that makes people feel better, more comfortable and more confident. That’s what I’m all about.”
• “You don’t have to worry about getting ahead in life. You just have to worry about keeping a good attitude and doing your best. That’s all that matters.”
• “My music is just like me, it’s just a reflection of who I am. It’s probably why I’ve been able to stay in the music business so long, because it’s never changed and been just me.”
On Business
Dolly Parton isn’t just a celebrated singer and songwriter. She’s also a savvy businesswoman who’s made money moves in a variety of lucrative ventures. From her world-famous theme park, Dollywood, to her record company, publishing house and movie production company, she’s proven that she knows how to make both art and money. Here’s what she has to say about her entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy.
• “I don’t stand still. I’ve always been a look ahead, plan ahead kind of person. And I don’t mind change.”
• “If something’s not right, you can always find more ways to add something to it. Make it as big and as great as you can.”
• “We can’t be afraid to take chances, because the truth is that all great successes are built on taking chances and being brave.”
On Philanthropy and Charity Work
In addition to her incredible career success, Dolly Parton is also well-known for her charity and philanthropy work. From her Imagination Library, which provides free books to low-income children, to her breast cancer charity organization, she’s certainly done her part to help others. Here’s what she has to say about the importance of giving back.
• “I am so blessed to have a life in which I can do what I love and still do my part to help others. It brings me a great joy to be able to help.”
• “Goodness only knows what we could do if we cared enough to do it. So if you’re ever in a position to do something generous, by all means do it.”
• “No matter how small you start, no matter how small the gesture, it’s always important to do what you can to help those who are in need.”
On Her Fashion Sense
Dolly Parton may be famous for her music, charity work, and business ventures, but let’s not forget about her wild and outrageous fashion sense. With her bountiful hair and her larger-than-life costumes, Dolly Parton has brought her own brand of glamour to the entertainment business—and it’s all her own. Here’s what she has to say about her sense of style.
• “I just like to have fun with my clothes. I’m not really into fashion, I don’t take it too seriously, and I can get away with it because I’m me.”
• “Nobody can out-glam me. I’m just bringing my own sparkly diva look, and it works.”
• “If you don’t feel like a million bucks when you put something on, get it off! Education and fashion don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”
On Life and Love
When it comes to life and love, Dolly Parton is honest, sweet, and totally real. Over the course of her life, she’s gained plenty of wisdom about how to make the most of life’s many curves and twists, and loves to drop the occasional piece of advice to her fans. Here’s a few of her famous life and love quotes.
• “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
• “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
• “You can’t just sit around waiting for lightning to strike. You’ve got to get up and dance in the rain.”
• “It’s only through mistakes that you really learn and grow. You’ve just got to have faith in yourself and that whatever happens, it’s all part of a master plan.”
• “No matter how much suffering you go through, you can never lose hope or faith. You’ve got to hang on, no matter what.”
• “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”
• “My weaknesses have always been food, and men, and green eyes.”
• “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.”
• “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
• “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
• “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. It’s just a part of life.”
• “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Whether discussing her music, business, philanthropy, fashion sense, life secrets, or love advice, Dolly Parton’s immense wisdom is evident in every word she speaks. It’s no wonder that the singer-songwriter has developed such a loyal following over the years. With inspirational quotes like these, it’s no surprise that fans everywhere can’t get enough of the incredible Dolly Parton.