Dolly Parton’s broad appeal outlasted America’s political divide
Why it matters: Tributes came from both parties, and Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff after her death.
Dolly Parton built a rare place in American public life: a star embraced across age, class and political lines in an era of deep polarization. The country singer, actor, philanthropist and businesswoman largely stayed out of partisan fights, saying she did not want to alienate either Republican or Democratic fans. Even so, she spoke at times on women’s rights, LGBTQ equality and Black Lives Matter while keeping a broadly welcoming public image. A YouGov poll cited by the BBC put her net approval at 65%, far above figures for major political leaders and celebrities. After Parton’s death, tributes poured in from across the spectrum, with Donald Trump ordering US flags flown at half-staff and Hillary Clinton calling her “the best of America.”