Dolly Parton and politics have always had an interesting relationship. On the one hand, she wrote 9 to 5, the anthem for working women and the theme song for a movie inspired by a new labor union. On the other hand, she refuses to answer questions about President Trump, or any question on politics period. Her nephew calls this “Dollitics”: Dolly doesn’t take ... Show More
Nov 2019
The Only One For Me, Jolene
One of Dolly’s most iconic and successful songs is “Jolene,” a song that, at first listen, is about a romantic rival trying to steal her man: a prime example of the classic “cheating song.” But some see it as flipping a popular country music trope on its head. This idea takes sha ... Show More
36m 10s
Nov 2019
Dolly's Wildflowers: live music from the series
Music performed by: Justin Hiltner (@hiltnerj, http://justinhiltner.com) Esther Konkara (@esther_konkara) Steph Jenkins (@slhjenkins, http://www.stephaniejenkins.info) Stephanie Coleman (@stephiecoleman) Courtney Hartman (@courthartman, https://www.courtneyhartman.com) Shelley Wa ... Show More
30m 29s
Jun 2025
The Quiet Influence and Power of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton might be the last thing Americans agree on. In this episode, we talk to Will Bonfiglio, the WashU lecturer behind a wildly popular college course on Dolly, about how the country icon became a cultural unifier across politics, class, gender, and generations. From Do ... Show More
46m 54s
May 2023
The Cult of Dolly Parton
America's favorite buxom, rhinestone-clad Southern songstress, Dolly Parton, has a "cult following" like no other celebrity. Thanks to her unmistakable image, her "Dollyisms," her theme park, her illustrious music, and her ability to transcend politics, "Saint Dolly" has become s ... Show More
50m 50s
Oct 2019
Radiolab Presents: Dolly Parton's America
<p>Radiolab creator and host Jad Abumrad spent the last two years following around music legend Dolly Parton, and we're here to say you should tune in! In this episode of Radiolab, we showcase the first of Jad's special series, <a href="https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly- ... Show More
1 h
Nov 2020
DOLLY PARTON: A Holly Dolly Christmas
Please excuse my excited squealing! Dolly's been beloved by my grandparents, parents, myself and siblings, as well as my children and grandchildren. She's defied circumstances, stereotypes, gender bias... and age! She is so well known, and so well loved, this guest really needs n ... Show More
23m 33s