What I’ve Learned About Christmas Trees (& Life) From Dolly Parton

Dabney Frake

published Nov 29, 2016

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I’m a life-long Dolly Parton fan and recently went to her concert here in St Louis. As always, she charmed me with her humor and humility, and her unapologetic “what you see is what you get” attitude, combined with love and acceptance for others. She’s brassy in the best possible way, and the queen of one-liners. Here are some of my favorite Dolly quotes from over the years, peppered with a bunch of Christmas trees that would make her proud.

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(Image credit: Black & Spiro)

Find out who you are, and do it on purpose. — Dolly Parton

We all know that Dolly doesn’t shy away from her roots, which are unapologetically country. She knows her style and embraces it whole-heartedly. Likewise, designer Anna Spiro is well known for her love of textiles, pattern and color. For Christmas a couple of years ago, she used Mexican Otomi textiles as inspiration for her store tree. It’s quirky and amazing and very ‘her’.

(Image credit: Inspired By Charm)

When someone shows me their true colors, I believe them. — Dolly Parton

Dolly’s very outspoken about her past, and her hard-fought effort to just be herself —something that’s made her very accepting of others. Instead of typical green and red decorations, Inspired By Charm went for a Christmas of many colors, organized as a rainbow, using both new and old ornaments, on what’s a decidedly non-traditional tree. Who are we to judge or decide how others decorate?

(Image credit: Jennifer Perkins)

I look just like the girls next door…if you happen to live next door to an amusement park. —Dolly Parton

Dolly doesn’t take herself too seriously, and we don’t have to either. Which is why Jennifer Perkins’ Christmas trees are always so much fun to look at. Each year she picks a theme and goes crazy decorating. And it’s always awesome.

(Image credit: Aunt Peaches)

I can’t do nothing just a little. — Dolly Parton

Being Dolly means going all out. Why keep a chandelier bare or tree minimalist when you can drape it with garlands and tons of ornaments for Christmas, if that’s what you like? Likewise, Aunt Peaches leaves no page unturned with her OTT decorating style.

(Image credit: Tennessee Star Journal)

I may look fake but I’m real where it counts. — Dolly Parton

In 2014, Dolly decorated this Christmas tree to raise money for The Imagination Library, her long-standing non-profit that promotes childhood literacy. The organization provides books to kids under the age of five at no cost, regardless of family income. The proceeds from Dollywood (which she originally started to provide jobs to her home region) go towards buying the books.

And don’t forget! Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, premieres Nov. 30 on NBC.