When I meet someone

When I meet someone, I look at their eyes and their smile and seek out the good first - it's easy to find when you're looking for it. You let a person shine with their own light and try to connect it to yours. As soon as I say hello, I go right to that light and I don't care who you are! I know we're all pieces of the same thing - I go for that common light because I know it's in all of us.
Dolly Parton

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
Dolly Parton

Find out who you are and do it on purpose.
Dolly Parton

A positive attitude and a sense of humor go together like biscuits and gravy.
Dolly Parton

I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde.
Dolly Parton

I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give'em yours!
Dolly Parton
"Fictional character: Miss Mona". "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", www.imdb.com. 1982.

You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.
Dolly Parton

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.
Dolly Parton

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.
Dolly Parton

If you're feeling low, don't despair. The sun has a sinking spell every night, but it comes back up every morning.
Dolly Parton

Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
Dolly Parton

I was the first woman to burn my bra - it took the fire department four days to put it out.
Dolly Parton

A great smile is a wonderful asset, but a good heart is pure gold.
Dolly Parton

I describe my look as a blend of mother goose, cinderella, and the local hooker!
Dolly Parton
Mother, Looks, Geese
Dolly Parton (2012). “Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You”, p.59, Penguin

I've struggled enough in my life to be appreciated and understood. I've had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself. I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love. I don't think we should be judgmental. Lord, I've got enough problems of my own to pass judgment on somebody else.
Dolly Parton

"Dolly Parton Q&A: The Country Legend on 50 Years in Nashville and Why She Supports Her Gay Fans". Interview with Deborah Evans Price, www.billboard.com. October 24, 2014.

A peacock that rests on his feathers is just another turkey.
Dolly Parton

Storms make trees take deeper roots.
Dolly Parton

There's no such thing as free love. Have you seen the price of Viagra?
Dolly Parton

Its hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.
Dolly Parton

Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'
Dolly Parton

I'm the kind of person who would rather rock in my rocking chair when I'm old and regret a few things that I did than to sit there and regret that I never tried.
Dolly Parton

I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.
Dolly Parton

It's not easy being young. It's hard to know what to do.
Dolly Parton

When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.
Dolly Parton

If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.
Dolly Parton