10 Dolly Parton Quotes About Courage, Kindness & Living a Meaningful Life

Some people leave behind songs.

Some leave behind stories.

And some leave behind ideas that continue to inspire people long after they've first heard them.

Dolly Parton has spent her life reminding people to dream boldly, work hard, be kind, and never be afraid to become exactly who they were meant to be.

Her words have a wonderful simplicity to them. They're easy to understand, but they often carry a much bigger idea underneath.

So we gathered 10 Dolly Parton quotes that celebrate courage, kindness, creativity, individuality, leadership, and living a life that matters.

1. Be Brave Enough to Try

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

It's easy to dream about doing something.

Trying is the part that takes courage.

Whether you're starting a business, learning something new, creating something, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, you won't know what you're capable of until you give it a try.

You don't have to be fearless.

You just have to be brave enough to begin.

2. Don't Underestimate a Smile

“Smile. It increases your face value.”

Dolly has always had a wonderful ability to mix wisdom with humor.

A smile may seem like a small thing, but small things can make a big difference.

A smile can welcome someone. It can brighten someone's day. It can make a stranger feel a little less like a stranger.

And apparently, according to Dolly, it can improve your face value, too.

3. Give Someone Your Smile

“I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give 'em yours.”

What a simple idea.

You don't need money, special skills, or a grand plan to make someone's day better.

Sometimes kindness is as simple as noticing someone who needs a little encouragement and giving them some of yours.

That's a pretty good reminder for all of us.

4. Build Your Own Road

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

Sometimes the path you're on isn't the path you want to stay on.

That's okay.

You can learn something new. Change direction. Try a different idea. Build something of your own.

Entrepreneurs understand this especially well. Sometimes you don't find the perfect opportunity—you create it.

5. Remember What Really Matters

“You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things you can't put a dollar sign on.”

Money matters.

Businesses need to make money. Families need money. Goals often require money.

But money isn't the only measure of a rich life.

Kindness matters. Relationships matter. Generosity matters. Character matters.

Some of the most valuable things in life can't be bought at all.

6. Shine Where You Are

“Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and you shine where you are.”

You don't have to be famous to make a difference.

You don't have to be the loudest person in the room.

And you certainly don't have to be exactly like someone else.

Find what makes you you.

Then use it.

Your particular combination of talents, interests, experiences, and ideas may be exactly what someone else needs.

7. Don't Forget to Live

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

That's a lesson worth remembering at any age.

It's wonderful to have goals. It's wonderful to work hard. It's wonderful to build something you're proud of.

But life isn't just a list of accomplishments.

Make time for the people you love. Notice the little things. Laugh. Create. Explore. Enjoy the journey.

Don't be so busy building your future that you forget to enjoy today.

8. Think About the Legacy You Leave

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires other to dream more, learn more, do more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

Leadership isn't just about having a title.

It's about what happens because you were there.

Did you encourage someone?

Did you help someone believe in themselves?

Did you make something better?

Did you inspire someone else to try?

That's the kind of leadership that lasts.

9. Be Yourself—On Purpose

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

There is something wonderfully Dolly about this advice.

You don't need to spend your life trying to become somebody else.

Figure out what you love. Discover what you're good at. Learn what matters to you.

Then have the courage to build a life around it.

Being yourself is a pretty great place to start.

10. Follow Your Inspiration

“When I'm inspired I get excited because I can't wait to see what I come up with next.”

Creativity isn't always quiet and serious.

Sometimes it's exciting.

Sometimes an idea arrives and you simply can't wait to see where it goes.

That's the fun of creating something new.

You don't always know exactly what the finished product will look like. You just start exploring—and let your curiosity lead the way.

Keep Shining

Dolly Parton's legacy is a beautiful reminder that success isn't just about what you accomplish.

It's also about who you become along the way—and what you give to other people.

Be brave enough to try.

Be kind enough to share your smile.

Be curious enough to create.

Be confident enough to find your own path.

And when you discover what makes you shine, don't be afraid to let it shine.

Because the world has plenty of people trying to be someone else.

What it needs is more people willing to become exactly who they are.