The Wit and Wisdom of Dolly Parton

The iconic singer and actress Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80.

And while there’s no evidence Parton ever visited Fayette County, she will be forever linked to La Grange because of her starring role as the brothel owner Miss Mona in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” the musical based on the real-life Chicken Ranch here. The filming of the movie was done in Pflugerville, Austin and Hallettsville.

Parton earned a Golden Globe nomination for the role when the film came out in 1982.

She became beloved over the years because of her straightforward, loving approach to life. Here’s some of her best quotes:

• “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.”

• “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

• “I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give’em yours!”

• “They think I’m simpleminded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have everything I ever wanted and more. Maybe I am simpleminded. Maybe that’s the key: simple.”

• “When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.”

• “A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.”

• “I think those who choose to bully just don’t know how to handle somebody different from themselves.”

• “If you talk bad about country music, it’s like saying bad things about my momma. Them’s fightin’ words”

• “I don’t know what the big deal is about old age. Old people who shine from the inside look 10 to 20 years younger.”

• “I think it’s so important to instill in children to have faith and to know there are great things out there. Greatness is out there, greatness you can tap into. But it has to start from in your heart.”

• “I think you need to make friends with yourself, you need to be your own best friend. You need to know who you are.