Dolly Parton’s 72! That’s a lot of songs, wigs and hilarious quotes

Dolly Parton turns 72 today! 

The amazingly talented singer, actress, producer and author was born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee. Glamorous, witty and just all-round likeable, Dolly is regarded as one of the most iconic figures inmusic history. 

The country music superstar made her debut in 1967, with her album Hello, I’m Dolly, which become an immediate success. Dolly has recorded an array of hits including two-time chart-topper ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘Jolene’, ‘Coat of Many Colours’ and ‘9 to 5’. 

She has also had a successful acting career, receiving a Golden Globe in 1980 for New Star of the Year for her performance in 9 to 5 and has appeared in many films over the years including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, Rhinestone (1984) and Steel Magnolias (1989). 

While Dolly’s singing and acting career has been super-successful, and she’s also given the gift of reading to millions of children through her philanthropy, she is also well known for her witty and self-deprecating humour. In honour of her birthday, here are Dolly’s best quotes from over the years – they’re a crack up! 

Dolly on her looks

It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) July 12, 2010

“I make jokes about it, but it’s the truth that I kind of patterned my look after the town tramp. I didn’t know what she was, just this woman who was blond and piled her hair up, wore high heels and tight skirts, and, boy, she was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen. Momma used to say, ‘Aw, she’s just trash’, and I thought, that’s what I want to be when I grow up. Trash.” 

“It takes a lot of time and money to look this cheap, honey.”

Dolly on ageing gracefully

“If I see something saggin’, baggin’, or draggin’, I’m gonna have it nipped, tucked or sucked!”

“I’m in showbiz. I look at my boobs like they’re show horses or show dogs. You’ve got to keep ‘em groomed.”

Dolly on her collection of wigs

“People always ask how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.”

Dolly on staying positive

“The way I see it, you’ve gotta put up with the rain to get a rainbow.”

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

Dolly on religion 

“Me and God have a great relationship, but we’re both seeing other people.”

She has talent, good looks and plenty of wit, how could you not love her?

Are you a Dolly Parton fan? Which is your favourite Dolly Parton quote?