BBC
·25 Aug 2026
‘Music is a great connector’: How Dolly Parton became one of the world’s best-loved stars
Dolly Parton’s extraordinary popularity rests on the combination of formidable songwriting talent, a carefully managed comic and glamorous public persona, and a reputation for warmth and generosity. Her songs address poverty, abuse, heartbreak and marginalized women, while her crossover success, business ventures, films and philanthropy broadened her reach beyond country music. By avoiding overt partisanship yet supporting feminism, LGBTQ+ inclusion and charitable causes, Parton became a rare unifying figure whose fans across political and cultural divides generally trust her intentions.