One of the things I'm personally appreciating in the wave of tributes honoring Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at 80, is the small anecdotes. From Eminem to Miley Cyrus. From random folks I went to high school with to all the thoughtful obits. Tucked inside are revelatory gems that all seem to get at one distinct feature: Parton's enormous generosity. It appeared to animate every corner of the singer, actor, and philanthropist's life. And through these anecdotes, you really get the sense that Parton was a rare, one-of-a-kind icon who transcended genres and political stripes through both her spirit and her art.
Want a glimpse into the legend? My colleague James West collected some of Parton's most defining roles—union member, vaccine hero, staunch gay ally, and more—which, if you ask us, sounds like Parton cut a rather Mother Jonesian figure, no?
So, what did Dolly mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts, memories, and tributes.
—Inae Oh
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