Culture and Lifestyle 17 Dolly Parton Quotes on Success That Will Inspire You By Southern Living Editors Updated on May 15, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Southern Living Are you the eternal optimist in your family or the rah-rah- cheerleader in your group of friends? Or maybe you're the neighbor who always sees the silver lining. Or perhaps you're the-glass-is-half-full gal in the office. While it's tough being Miss Happy all the time, it's the role everyone appreciates and admires. It's the person we always count on for brightening up the room and an entire day. But, the truth is, every now and then, even the most upbeat and positive people need a little something extra to get them smiling through life. As it turns out, we all have bad days–but we all take them at our own personal pace. While self-motivation is important, it isn't always easy. Good days are the best days; bad days require a little extra boost from someone or something. We've all been there: Googling "quotes on happiness" or liking Instagram posts with wonderful sayings and beautiful real people or repinning inspiring quotes. Some of us even have dedicated Pinterest boards on inspiring phrases. Yes, those private boards count too. We can all use some good old-fashioned motivation to get us through tough days. They range from quotes on faith and beauty, powerful words from famous Southern authors on life, lyrics from notable musicians, and lines from some of our favorite books. And then there are individuals who always seem to know the right thing to say at the right time. Cue our favorite lady from Tennessee. She's graceful, poised, passionate, and shared so much wisdom and truths over the years that it's hard to keep track (but we did). Dolly Parton has beaten the dark times by always looking and finding the rainbow. Since this is the time of year for graduations and new jobs, we rounded up a few of her memorable quotes on success that will inspire us all to keep opening those doors to your next, big adventure. 01 of 17 Dolly on Limiting Herself Southern Living "I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else." - Dolly Parton 02 of 17 Dolly on Business Success Southern Living "I do believe that any successful business starts from the top and works its way down." - Dolly Parton 03 of 17 Dolly on Storms Southern Living "Storms make trees take deeper roots." - Dolly Parton 04 of 17 Dolly on Children Southern Living "My songs are like my children - I expect them to support me when I'm old." - Dolly Parton 05 of 17 Dolly on Her Songs Southern Living "My songs are the door to every dream I've ever had and every success I've ever achieved." - Dolly Parton 06 of 17 Dolly on Having Something to Say Southern Living "When I got somethin' to say, I'll say it." - Dolly Parton 07 of 17 Dolly On Hard Times Southern Living "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton 08 of 17 Dolly on Making Her People Proud Southern Living "You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished." - Dolly Parton 09 of 17 Dolly on Being a Star Southern Living "Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are." - Dolly Parton 10 of 17 Dolly on Being Punctual Southern Living "Tell me I have to be somewhere, and I'll be there 20 minutes early and stay there longer than anybody else. You hold up a lot of people if you're not on time." - Dolly Parton 11 of 17 Dolly on Thinking Like a Man in Business Southern Living "You know, I look like a woman but I think like a man. And in this world of business, that has helped me a lot. Because by the time they think that I don't know what's goin' on, I then got the money, and am gone." - Dolly Parton 12 of 17 Dolly on Knowing Who She Is Southern Living "I know who I am, I know what I can and can't do. I know what I will and won't do. I know what I'm capable of and I don't agree to do things that I don't think I can pull off." - Dolly Parton 13 of 17 Dolly Parton on Where You're Going Southern Living "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." - Dolly Parton 14 of 17 Dolly Parton on Finding Your Niche Southern Living "You gotta keep trying to find your niche and trying to fit into whatever slot that's left for you or to make one of your own." - Dolly Parton 15 of 17 Dolly on Finding Out Who You Are Southern Living "Find out who you are. And do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton 16 of 17 Dolly on Changing Direction Graphic: Nellah Bailey McGough "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." - Dolly Parton 17 of 17 Dolly Parton on Bravery Southern Living "You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." - Dolly Parton Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit