Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer and songwriter, was known for her distinctive style, philanthropic efforts, and a collection of memorable quotes, often referred to as 'Dolly-isms.' Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Throughout her decades-long career, she shared insights on life, beauty, and self-expression that resonated with fans.
Parton herself curated some of her favorite quotes in a 2022 Instagram video, offering her own translations and explanations. One of her most cited lines, 'It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,' was explained by Parton as a way to emphasize that all that matters is being oneself and feeling good about it. Similarly, her comment, 'Why blend in when standing out is so much more fun!' accompanied the quote, 'It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.'
Parton often addressed her appearance and the public's perception of it with humor. She famously stated, 'I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb — and I’m not blonde either.' This remark, made in a 2017 Vogue interview, also touched upon her extensive wig collection. When asked about the time it took to style her hair, she quipped, 'I don’t know, I’m never there,' referring to her reliance on wigs for her signature look.
Her transparency extended to cosmetic procedures. Parton once remarked, 'I am a self-made woman, and I have the doctor bills to prove it.' This sentiment was echoed in a 2017 Vogue feature where she joked about having had procedures like Botox.
Beyond beauty and personal style, Parton shared wisdom on purpose and positivity. During a 2009 commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, she advised graduates to 'Find out who you are and do it on purpose.' Her mantra, 'The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain,' was a recurring theme, even appearing on her X account in 2013. She also encouraged kindness with the simple line, 'If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours,' a message she shared on social media in 2019.
Parton challenged industry expectations throughout her career. In a 2019 interview with Elle, she stated, 'I look totally artificial, but I am totally real, as a writer, as a professional, as a human being. A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.' This came after her mentor, Chet Atkins, had advised her to 'tone it down' early in her career to be taken more seriously. Parton also expressed her ambition beyond music, sharing on X in November 2010, 'I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else,' underscoring her multi-faceted career in film, business, and philanthropy.
During a 2018 interview for "Good Morning America" with Jennifer Aniston to promote their movie "Dumplin'," Parton offered encouragement: 'You don’t have to look like everybody else. You don’t have to be a raving beauty to be special and to be beautiful.'
Parton also reflected on her perspective on fame and work. In a 2014 interview with Billboard, she playfully dismissed the notion of being a star, saying, 'I never think of myself as a star because, as somebody once said, ‘A star is nothing but a big ball of gas’ — and I don’t want to be that.' She described herself as 'just a working girl.'
Her philosophy on work and retirement was rooted in passion rather than profit. In a 2019 "CBS Sunday Morning" interview, Parton explained, 'I always count my blessings more than I count my money. I don’t work for money, never did.' She believed that retirement would lead to boredom, emphasizing her love for her work.
Among her widely credited advice is: 'Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.' Parton also shared personal anecdotes with humor, posting on X in 2013, 'My weaknesses have always been food and men — in that order.'