Dolly Parton’s America

I join everyone in being sad about the passing of Dolly Parton. What a legacy. As many have noted, nearly everyone — no matter their geography, political persuasions, or even musical taste — thinks highly of her.

Upon her death, I’m also remembering a podcast I listened to several years ago. In fact, I’d even say it was one of the most well-done podcasts I’ve ever heard. It was intellectually stimulating and relational. It’s Jad Abumrad’s Dolly Parton’s America. Jad Abumrad is the creator of the tremendous podcast Radiolab. This series about Dolly Parton was a stand-alone podcast, and through it, Abumrad tells a great deal of U.S. history through the lens of Dolly’s upbringing, music, philanthropy, and influence.

His father immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon, and Jad also grew up in Tennessee. Many years later, his father became Dolly Parton’s doctor. In addition to connecting with her, Jad was able to find linkages between her upbringing and his family’s upbringing in Lebanon. And he tells so much history of the U.S. — including many stories I had never heard before.

So I recommend this highly: Introducing Dolly Parton’s America.

If you listen, let me know what you think.

—Renee Roederer