Masterwork Wisdom Found in Dolly Parton's Quotes

• Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.
• It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.
• The magic is inside you, there ain't no crystal ball.
• I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love.
• I might be artificial, but I'm real where it counts, right here in my heart.

• I don't condemn nor condone anything. I just love and accept people where they are for who they are.
• You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love, and all those things that you can't put a dollar sign on.
• If you're lucky enough to have more than you need, then you're lucky enough to give.

Time cover, September 2026. Carl Dean and Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.

• I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.
• When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they're not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can 'cause I know I'm gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can?
• They say love isn't about two people gazing into each other's eyes, it is about two people gazing outwards in the same direction. I believe this with all my heart.

• If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.
• The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
• I've had heartaches, headaches, toothaches, earaches, and I've had a few pains in the ass, and I've survived to tell about it.

• You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.
• I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.
• You can wish your life away. But if you're going to dream, you're going to have to get out and, like I always say, you have to put some wings on them dreams, and some feet and fingers and some hands. They gotta get into some stuff.

• I've always tried to never step on anybody to get where I am. I've had to walk around a few people, jump over a few of 'em now and then, but I think you're a true success when you've seen your dreams come true and you can take pride in how you did it, and take pride in and respect and appreciate the people that helped you get there.
• Above everything else I've done, I've always said I've had more guts than I've got talent.
• Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.
• I'm the little engine that did.
• You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished.
• Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.

• You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!
• I am a self-made woman, and I have the doctor bills to prove it.
• People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don't know, I'm never there.
• My weaknesses have always been food and men, in that order.
• I was the first woman to burn my bra, it took the fire department four days to put it out.

• If I can hold God's attention, I can hold the world's.
• Making memories with those you love is what matters most in life.
• I never had a doubt I would make it, because refusing to think I couldn't make it is the reason I could.
• Nothing's ever easy. If it is, it ain't worth it.

Often attributed to her, but there is no original source.

• If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours.
• I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.
• When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.
• Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
• Storms make trees deeper roots.
• We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.