Why it’s Dolly Parton’s moment – again
A new podcast explores the popularity and politics of the beloved entertainer.
On Tuesday, November 19 at 19:30 GMT:
Dolly Parton is peak pop culture, all over again. The 73-year-old superstar is the subject of a hugely popular podcast, a Netflix series and has a number one song on the dance charts. Impressive achievements for anyone but particularly remarkable for an artist who has been performing for more than half a century.
So what is it about Parton that keeps her so relevant? In ‘Dolly Parton’s America’, podcast host Jad Abumurad and producer Shima Oliaee set out to understand her broader impact and, they say, to ask profound questions of America.
The podcast tells much more than a rags to riches story. It delves deep into the politics of Dolly – known as ‘Dollitics – and looks at her charitable work, which has benefitted millions of people in the United States and across the world. It also asks whether, at such a divided time for the country, Parton can be a healing force?
In this episode of The Stream, we meet the team behind the runaway podcast to tackle that question and more.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Jad Abumrad, @JadAbumrad
Co-creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, and host of Dolly Parton’s America from WNYC Studios and OSM Audio
jadabumrad.com
Shima Oliaee, @ShimaOliaee
Producer and reporter for Radiolab and Dolly Parton’s America from WNYC Studios and OSM Audio
osmaudio.com
Helen Morales, @helenlmorales
Author, “Pilgrimage to Dollywood”
classics.ucsb.edu
Read more:
The very radical politics of Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ – AJ+
TCan Dolly Parton heal America? – NPR
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