Dolly Parton drew rare cross-party admiration in a divided US
Why it matters: Tributes from Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton underscored Parton’s unusual reach beyond music and into civic life.
Dolly Parton’s death prompted an outpouring of praise across the US political spectrum, highlighting how the singer, actor, philanthropist and businesswoman built a following that cut across age, class and party lines. The BBC reported that Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff after her death, an honor usually associated with senior public figures, while Hillary Clinton called Parton “the best of America.” Parton long avoided partisan endorsements, saying she did not want to alienate either Republican or Democratic fans. But she still spoke publicly on issues including women’s rights, LGBTQ equality and Black Lives Matter, helping make her a rare cultural figure with broad appeal in a polarized country.