Today is a sad day. The world of music and entertainment has lost a true legend. When we think of icons, we will surely remember Dolly Parton. The star, like few others, had the ability to make us laugh, offer life advice and deliver perfectly timed one-liners like no other. Following the news of the country music singer’s death at 80 on August 25, her words feel especially meaningful.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news and shared a video message on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. Seaver revealed that Dolly had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came. He remembered his aunt as someone who opened doors for her family and generations of singers, songwriters and dreamers, adding that while those left behind are grieving, Dolly had “lived in the light.”
That spirit was part of what made Dolly so beloved. Behind the rhinestones, towering blonde hair and unmistakable Tennessee charm was a woman who knew exactly who she was and rarely missed an opportunity to make people laugh, think or dream a little bigger.
As the world remembers her extraordinary life, here are some of Dolly Parton’s most unforgettable quotes:
1. On weathering the difficult moments
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Perhaps the ultimate Dollyism: optimistic without pretending life is always easy.
2. On actually living
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
A simple reminder from a woman whose own work ethic was legendary.
3. On having the courage to try
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
Dolly’s career was built on taking chances, from leaving Tennessee for Nashville to crossing from country music into movies, business and beyond.
© Michael Ochs Archives4. On knowing exactly who you are
“Find out who you are and then do it on purpose.”
Few people embodied that philosophy better. Dolly created an image entirely her own and never apologized for it.
5. On the price of looking like Dolly
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
One of her funniest and most famous lines, and a perfect example of her ability to get in on the joke before anyone else could.
6. On blonde jokes
“I’m not offended by all of the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb… and I also know that I’m not blonde.”
Dolly was never afraid to laugh at herself, especially when it came to the larger-than-life image she created.
© Andrew Putler7. On refusing to stay in one box
“I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.”
Singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist and theme park owner, Dolly spent her career proving she didn’t have to choose just one lane.
8. On dreaming big
“I imagined it, I dreamed it, I worked for it, and God was good enough to let me have it.”
Dolly often spoke about dreaming of a bigger life while growing up in Tennessee, but she was equally clear about the work that went into making those dreams real.
9. On staying true to herself
“I’ve had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself.”
Her individuality became one of her greatest strengths.
© Mirrorpix10. On love and acceptance
“I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love.”
A characteristically simple expression of the acceptance Dolly championed throughout her life.
11. On judging other people
“Everybody has their own journey, they have their own way of doing things. And who am I to judge?”
Dolly’s philosophy often came back to kindness and allowing people to live their own lives.
12. On growing older
“After you reach a certain age, they think you’re over. Well, I will never be over.”
Dolly had little interest in the idea that women should quietly disappear from the spotlight as they aged.
© NBC13. On money
“I always count my blessings more than I count my money.”
Coming from someone who turned her music into an enormous business empire, the sentiment says a lot about how Dolly viewed success.
14. On keeping her heart open
“I have to not harden my heart, because I want to stay open to feel things.”
For all her humor, Dolly was never afraid of sentiment. That emotional openness was also at the heart of some of her greatest songwriting.
15. On working hard
“I have to keep working. I’d be dangerous if I didn’t have things to do.”
A very Dolly explanation for a career that seemed to have no off switch.
© Silver Screen Collection16. On her glamorous image
“Good doctors, good makeup and good lighting.”
When it came to beauty and aging, Dolly could usually be counted on to give an answer more entertaining than any beauty routine.
17. On being underestimated
“I look like a woman but I think like a man.”
Dolly thought that people sometimes underestimated her because of her appearance. She once said she knew how to use those assumptions to her advantage.
18. On finding your own path
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
Dolly spent much of her life doing exactly that, creating opportunities rather than waiting for someone else to hand them to her.
© Getty Images19. On staying positive
“Leave something good in every day.”
It’s short, uncomplicated and very Dolly.
20. On what really makes someone a star
“Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.”
After decades spent being one of the brightest stars in entertainment, Dolly’s definition was fittingly generous enough to include everyone.
