Quote Of The Day By Dolly Parton: 'If You Want The Rainbow, You Gotta Put Up With...'

Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, was raised in the rural mountains of Tennessee. The fourth child of twelve children, Parton grew up in a one bedroom log cabin with no electricity, no running water, but a great love of music running through the whole family. Parton shared how her family was very poor," a theme that later inspired her music with touching tributes to her family in songs like "Coat of Many Colors." 

Parton began her musical career by singing on the radio as a child. Her uncle, Bill Owens, was a key figure in helping her climb the musical ladder in Nashville, Tennessee. Here she met her husband, and Parton's marriage to Carl Dean was one in a million. Things took off for Parton when she joined "The Porter Wagoner Show," and she often recorded duets with Wagoner. By the '70s, things started to really blow up for Parton. Her hit "Jolene," released in 1973, exploded, and she decided to part ways with Wagoner to embark on a solo career. She wrote her song "I Will Always Love You" as a goodbye to him. Throughout it all, Parton stayed true to her iconic self. Parton's philanthropic endeavours made for positive change throughout her long career. Also, her sensational style meant that Parton was always stepping out in outfits that were as over-the-top as her raucous personality. She was sensational and resilient until her passing on August 25, 2026, and that's why Parton is today's quote of the day.

Dolly Parton famously said, "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." She often quoted the line, sharing it with fans on Instagram in May 2026, months before her death. But Parton clearly loved this phrase, because she repeated it in interviews and books throughout her 60-year-long career. 

The quote from Parton makes sense. The singer and songwriter famously tried to show up with a cheerful, sunny disposition, determined to make the best of things. When she was asked why she always seemed so happy, Parton remarked how she isn't always happy. She explained that she tried to center gratitude; she also said that she believed in action, in putting in the work to achieve her dreams. Parton also explained that her grandfather was a preacher, and so faith was a big source of solace and inspiration in her life. 

Dolly Parton's quote about putting up with rain if you want a rainbow is all about resiliency in the face of setback. Parton was a big believer in putting in the work required to make dreams a reality. And this hard work, metaphorically, is the rain. One has to put in hard work if they want the rainbows of success. 

Parton faced countless setbacks throughout her life. Her impoverished childhood meant that she had to pull herself up without familial assistance. Throughout her career, Parton was constantly underestimated because she was a woman and she cared about her appearance; people were prone to minimizing her talent and dedication to songwriting because she looked so flashy.

Parton also faced health issues, including kidney stone infections and immune system problems, forcing her to cancel shows. She also admitted, before her own death, that she neglected her health in caring for her ailing husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025. But in spite of her many setbacks, Parton plowed ahead, creating an incredible career and life for herself. Not only was she a once-in-a-lifetime songwriter and singer, but she was also an author, actor, and hugely successful businesswoman. Each one of those titles came with struggles, but Parton worked hard for them, showing resiliency and perseverance.

• "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
• "But I like to make things happen if they're not happening. I like to get involved. So I like to think of myself as a 'Girl of Many Colors,' not just a coat, because I have all kinds of moods, and I experience them all. I think that's what makes a human being." 
• "I have to not harden my heart, because I want to stay open to feel things. So when I hurt, I hurt all over. And when I cry, I cry real hard. And when I'm mad, I'm mad all over. I'm just a person."  
• "You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." 
• "I'm not offended by all the dumb blond jokes because I know I'm not dumb—and I'm not blond either."