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Dolly Partonwas born in a one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and grew up one of 12 kids in near-poverty conditions. Now, she’s reportedly worth over $450 million and even has her own theme park. But for our beloved Dolly, it’s not about the money she’s made or the things she owns—it’s about how she can use those things to make a difference.
In 1995, she launched the Imagination Library—a literacy program inspired by her father, who never learned to read. Over the past 30 years, it’s donated more than 285 million free books to children around the world. When the 2016 fires ravaged Sevier County, she immediately took action, establishing the My People Fund through the Dollywood Foundation within 48 hours. It provided $1,000 per month to every family who lost their home—ultimately distributing more than $12 million in relief.
And just last month, the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital announced that it’s being renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, following a donation from the beloved country music icon that was described as “a generational collaboration that will transform pediatric care” in the region. At 80 years old, the “9 to 5” singer continues to change the world with her music and her message—and that’s why Dolly Parton is today’s quote of the day.
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Quote of the Day by Dolly Parton
“Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
Dolly Parton’s quote is about taking the time to discover your authentic self—and then having the courage to be that person every single day. It means blocking out other people’s expectations and perceptions of you in order to discover what genuinely drives you—and then fearlessly—and unapologetically—living your truest self for the rest of your life.
Related: Quote of the Day: Elton John on Courage and Sobriety
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Deeper Meaning of Dolly Parton’s Quote: Staying True to Yourself
The night Dolly graduated from Sevier County High School in 1964, every student was asked to stand up and say what they planned to do with their lives. When Dolly said she was going to Nashville to become a star, the whole room laughed. She moved to Nashville the very next morning. Since graduation night, she’s sold over 100 million records and become a movie star, too.
Dolly discovered her passion and personality early—and she did it both on purpose and with purpose. She built Dollywood not to make millions, but because she wanted to bring jobs back to the people of East Tennessee. She started the Imagination Library because her own father never learned to read and she didn’t want any other child to face that same barrier. She’s donated millions to causes ranging from wildfire relief to pediatric care to COVID-19 vaccine research—not for the headlines, but because that’s just who she is.
“I was born with a happy heart,” she told Southern Living. “I’m always looking for things to be better.” That’s the key to this quote. Finding out who you are isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong practice. And doing it on purpose means waking up every day and choosing to live in alignment with your values, your gifts and your heart. Dolly Parton has been doing exactly that for 80 years—and the world is a better place because of it.
Related: Your Dolly Parton Song, Based on Birth Date
More Quotes From Dolly Parton
- “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
- “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
- “I never tried quitting, and I never quit trying.”
- “I always count my blessings more than I count my money.”
- “If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours.”
Next, Country Superstar Makes Big Comeback
