30 Must-Read Dolly Parton Quotes to Inspire Your Heart

Dolly Parton's wit, warmth, and wisdom have inspired millions. A great quote can lift your mood, switch your perspective, or give you the push you need to try something new. Use these Dolly Parton quotes when you need courage, clarity, comfort, or a cheerful nudge—pin them to your mirror, share them with a friend, or tuck them into your daily planner.

Motivational quotes

• "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
• "You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."
• "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."
• "Storms make trees take deeper roots."

Inspirational quotes

• "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."
• "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."
• "Get you some of what you adore, something to love, and lots of music."
• "When someone asks me if I believe in love, I tell them: 'Of course I do.'"
• "I always just thought I'd try to make people feel good with my music and my spirit."

Life wisdom quotes

• "I'm not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb—and I also know I'm not blonde."
• "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
• "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
• "Never be afraid to be yourself — people will either love you for it or learn from you."
• "My weaknesses have always been food and men — in that order."

Success & career quotes

• "If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."
• "I don't do anything halfway — if I do it, I do it with all my heart."
• "Work hard, be kind, and don't forget to laugh at yourself."
• "When I find good people, I hang on to them for dear life."
• "You can have the world in your hands — but you have to be willing to work for it."

Happiness & joy quotes

• "A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks."
• "I try to be a good person and do the best I can for other people."
• "The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything they have."
• "Keep your feet on the ground and your head in the stars."
• "There's a song in every heart — sing yours out loud."

Daily encouragement quotes

• "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." (Yes — worth repeating.)
• "You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try."
• "Be who you are and do it on purpose."
• "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."
• "A little kindness can go a long way — give it away freely."

Quotes can be short sparks or long, steady fires. This collection mixes Dolly's sharp humor, heartfelt encouragement, and simple truths so you can find the right line for work, love, struggle, or celebration.

Conclusion A well-timed quote can change how you think, lift your spirits, and push you into action. Keep these Dolly Parton quotes close—read them when you need bravery, share them when you want to brighten someone’s day, and return to them when you need gentle, fierce encouragement.