Dolly Parton, the universally beloved country music legend who died on Tuesday, was a genius songwriter, generous philanthropist ― and she was also profoundly funny.Parton had a way with words beyond her award-winning songs. She often used wry, self-deprecating humor and her magnetic charm to her advantage. Parton knew people were judging her towering blonde wigs, big chest and flashy bejeweled style, and she was quick to make herself the punchline of a joke before anyone else could.“I know people make fun of me. All these years, people think the joke has been on me but it’s actually been on the public,” she told journalist Barbara Walters in a 1977 interview. “I know exactly what I’m doing…I make more jokes about myself than anybody.”When asked in a 1980 press conference whether she got tired about jokes on her bust size, she quipped: “I know some of the best Dolly Parton jokes. I made ’em up myself.”Parton’s quick one-liners became part of her legend. She famously said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” as her character in the 1982 musical comedy, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and would also coin it as one of her many “Dollyism” catchphrases her fans loved.Here are 19 additional of her best zingers over the years in her writing and her interviews that showcase her sharp, funny wit: On her blonde hair David Redfern via Getty ImagesDolly Parton frequently made her blonde wigs a punchline. “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb — and I’m not blonde either.” ― Dollyism On her top pet peeve”Nobody notices I’ve got a great ass, too.” ― “Late Night With John Letterman,” 1995 On her style Ron Davis via Getty ImagesParton had witty comebacks she would use often enough to become “Dollyisms” to her fans.“People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.” ― Dollyism“It takes a lot of time and money to look this cheap.” ― Dollyism“I’ve often made this statement that I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable. That’s the easiest thing in the world to do.” ― Interview with Barbara Walters, 1977“It’s a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I’d be a drag queen.” ― DollyismOn her appearance “I’m very real where it counts, and that’s inside.” ― Interview with Barbara Walters, 1977“I look totally artificial, but I am totally real, as a writer, as a professional, as a human being. A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.” ― Elle magazine, 2019On what perfect happiness means to her “A big loaded baked potato and a good book with time to eat it and read it.” ― Vanity Fair magazine, 2012 On what she does when she gets out of bed in the morning “I usually get up, put on my clothes, and go home.” ― “LIVE with Kelly and Michael,” 2012On her unwavering spirit Terry Wyatt via Getty ImagesMany of Parton’s good-natured one-liners were about her appearance.“People say, ‘You always look so happy.’ I say, ‘That’s because of the Botox.’ ― The Nashville Tennessean, 2014 “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.” ― Dollyism“They think I’m simple-minded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have everything I ever wanted and more. Maybe I am simple-minded. Maybe that’s the key: simple.” ― “Dolly: My Life And Other Unfinished Business,” 1994On her success“I’m a self-made woman and I have the doctor’s bills to prove it.” ― DollyismOn her secret for a lasting marriage“I stay gone…He’s a good guy; we know each other so well. I know every line in his face, and he knows every hair in my wig.” ― “Today” show interview, 2014On her advice to college students“I usually try not to give advice. Information, yes, advice, no. But, what has worked for me may not work for you. Well, take for instance what has worked for me. Wigs. Tight clothes. Push-up bras.” ― University of Tennessee commencement speech, 2009 On receiving an honorary doctorate“Just think, I am Dr. Dolly! So when people say something about ‘Double-D,’ they will be thinking of something entirely different.” ― Statement after receiving honorary doctorate, 2009On her blessings“I count my blessings more than I count my money, but I need to count my money, too.” ― ABC News interview with Robin Roberts, 2019On how she’d like to be remembered in 100 years“Boy, she looks great for her age.” ― Interview with Barbara Walters, 1982
22 Of Dolly Parton's Best And Funniest Zingers From Over The Years
The music icon always had a witty comeback.










