Pick Your Favorite Dolly Parton Quote, and We’ll Give You a Dolly Parton Recipe to Try

“Never ignore your roots, your home or your hair.”

One of the biggest non-food takeaways I had when I visited Dollywood was learning that Dolly insisted on putting a salon in her DreamMore Resort. She knew just how important a fresh set of nails and a wash and blow-dry can be for improving your mood. Staying grounded was also very important to her, and nothing has a deeper connection to Dolly’s childhood than her mother’s stone soup recipe.

“A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.”

If there was one thing Dolly loved, it was anything that sparkled. She consistently turned out in bedazzled looks that mirrored her dazzling personality. But she was also very pragmatic and down-to-earth. It wasn’t about cost, it was about vibes. Why spend your hard-earned money on something expensive when the dupe works just as well? While I’m sure Dolly would’ve loved for you to visit her theme park, she also shared her famous cinnamon bread recipe so you can make a copycat at home.

“Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”

This is my personal favorite Dolly Parton quote. It’s so simple, but speaks to the essence of both who she was and what she wanted people to take away from her legacy. Dolly was always upfront in talking about her ambition and how hard she worked to get to where she was. Living the life you want is a celebration in and of itself. And that’s why I love that Dolly found a way to eat her favorite food every single day. Talk about an achievable goal!

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

One of Dolly’s most admirable qualities was the emphasis she placed on family. Growing up, she was one of 12 children and was very close with her parents and brothers and sisters. Now, all of her nieces and nephews affectionately call her “Aunt Granny” as the ultimate way to honor her. Even with all the fame and accolades Dolly received, family came first—that’s why Aunt Granny’s restaurant at Dollywood serves food family-style. Celebrate your own family with a double batch of her signature chicken and dumplings recipe.

“My weaknesses have always been food and men—in that order.”

Dolly’s sly and deprecating sense of humor was unparalleled. Whenever she had a chance to mention food or men, she would. I’m sure that even before it became a viral sensation, Dolly made her own version of Marry Me Chicken for her husband, Carl Dean. They met outside a laundromat in 1964, and were together for 60 years before Carl passed away in 2025. Their meet-cute is as sweet as Dolly’s butterscotch pie—and also serves as a really handy reminder not to neglect your laundry.

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!”

Another classic Dolly-ism. She never backed down from a challenge or gave up in the face of tragedy. She believed wholeheartedly that the ups and downs of her life were just part of living and kept her head held high. Her kindness seemed innate, and her generosity was legendary. She believed every day is a chance to start fresh, and there’s no better way to do that than with a big, hearty breakfast. Her scrambled egg recipe includes a pretty genius trick—try it on your next clear blue morning.

“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”

This might be Dolly’s most famous quote. It’s quintessential Dolly: blunt and funny. Her personal style was totally unique, and that’s the way she liked it. She was always cheeky and forthcoming about her beauty and fashion routines and probably loved wigs more than anyone in the world. When I was in Dollywood, I bought a rhinestone-studded tube of red lipstick in the shade “Jolene”—how could I not? Dolly was forever reminding us to find luxury even in really basic things. This pimento cheese sandwich recipe is straightforward yet fashionable, just like Dolly.

“Above everything else I’ve done, I’ve always said I’ve had more guts than I’ve got talent.”

Even with a ton of talent, her endeavors as a singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist and businesswoman wouldn’t have been successful without putting in the work. And beyond the work, for Dolly, it was about putting yourself out there time and time again. Rejection is a huge part of the music industry, but Dolly never let it get her down. That relentlessness is what brought her the success she enjoyed. If you need a challenge or want to go the extra mile, try Dolly’s hickory-grilled ham recipe the next time you want to kick yourself into gear.

“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.”

Another classic from Dolly! The sexism she faced in the media from her looks is well-documented. But if you watch old clips from talk shows and interviews, you’ll notice that jabs never shook or rattled Dolly. She always held her head high and stayed one step ahead of any joke someone wanted to make at her expense. Her unapologetic attitude about expressing herself was a big part of why people still love her today. This fun and lighthearted approach makes me think of one of my favorite easy lunch recipes from Dolly: her pecan chicken salad.

“I’m the little engine that did.”

Dolly’s philanthropy was as famous as her music career. Her Imagination Library has sent out 300 million free books to children around the world. The children’s book The Little Engine That Could is the very first book that everyone in the program receives—complete with a personal message from Dolly. When you stay at one of the resorts at Dollywood, there’s a TV channel dedicated to showing Dolly Parton reading children’s books. It’s one of the most thoughtful touches I’ve ever seen at any hotel. This 11-time Grammy award-winning powerhouse is wearing pajamas, tucked in bed, and reading her favorite children’s books for any guests who want a bedtime story.

Time and time again, Dolly proved that she was truly a one-of-a-kind star—and that the world was a better place with her in it. To celebrate her life, make a batch of her famous biscuits and milk gravy to share with your loved ones.