Dolly Parton dies, remembered as rare unifying figure in American culture

Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, has died. The news broke on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from figures across the political spectrum, including former President Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Parton was widely regarded as one of the few celebrities universally adored by Americans of all ages, races, and political persuasions, with a net approval rating of 65% in a recent YouGov poll. Known for her philanthropy, including the Imagination Library and funding for the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, Parton deliberately avoided partisan politics to maintain her broad appeal, yet she was never apolitical, speaking out on women's rights, LGBTQ equality, and Black Lives Matter. Her death marks the loss of a cultural icon who embodied the American Dream and served as a model for independence and self-determination.