Country music superstar Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday, was remembered for her sharp wit and humorous outlook on life. Colleagues and friends recalled numerous anecdotes that showcased her ability to laugh at herself and offer unconventional wisdom.
Parton's humor often touched upon her public image and personal life. She once quipped about her appearance, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap," and reflected on her early days in Tennessee, "As a youngster in Tennessee I painted my lips with mercurochrome and wet berries."
Her observations extended to broader societal topics. In the 1990s, she humorously commented on politics, noting, "Clinton thinks seeing the Grand Tetons means going to a Dolly Parton concert." She also shared a progressive view on marriage equality, stating, "Gay folks should be allowed to be as miserable as the rest of us."
Parton's approach to fame and personal life was also a source of her humor. She famously said, "I kind of patterned myself after what they called the town tramp in my hometown, when I was little." She also offered practical advice born from experience, such as, "When I arrived in LA in the ’80s, I started sleeping with my makeup on, partly because of the earthquakes... there are cameras out there."
Her dedication to her craft and public appearances was evident in her remarks ahead of the opening night for her musical "9 to 5." She described a whirlwind schedule, managing to prepare for the event by doing her own makeup, which had been on all day. "I ran home to change and throw on a little more paint, touch up the makeup with some more gloss and glitter — and here I am," she said, emphasizing her ability to maintain her persona despite a demanding schedule.
Recollections also highlighted her early mornings, with one anecdote stating, "I often get up 3 a.m. because God gets up early." Other lighthearted comments included her husband calling her "Catfish" and her preference for a "heavenly Christmas" free from phone calls. She also humorously noted her wig collection, revealing, "I refrigerate my wigs."
Parton's unique perspective and enduring humor left a lasting impression on those who knew her and her legion of fans.