17 Dolly Parton Quotes on Success That Will Inspire You

Storms Make Deeper Roots
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

Won't Limit 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

Successful Business Starts from the Top
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"I do believe that any successful business starts from the top and works its way down." - Dolly Parton

03 of 17

Dolly on Storms

Storms Make Deeper Roots
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"Storms make trees take deeper roots." - Dolly Parton

04 of 17

Dolly on Children

Dolly Songs Are Like Children
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"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

Songs are the Door to Dreams
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"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

Have Something to Say
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"When I got somethin' to say, I'll say it." - Dolly Parton

07 of 17

Dolly On Hard Times

If You Want the Rainbows
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"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

Make People Proud
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"You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished." - Dolly Parton

09 of 17

Dolly on Being a Star

Being a Star
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"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

Always Be On Time
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"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

Think Like a Man in Business
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"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

I Know Who I Am
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"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

If You Don't Like the Road
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"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

Find Your Niche
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"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

Find Out Who You Are
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"Find out who you are. And do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton

16 of 17

Dolly on Changing Direction

Adjust Your Sails Quote
Graphic: Nellah Bailey McGough

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

17 of 17

Dolly Parton on Bravery

Brave Enough to Try
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"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." - Dolly Parton

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