Farewell to an icon: Dolly Parton's death
In the US and around the world fans are mourning the loss of country singer and entertainer Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80. Parton epitomised the American dream: born into extreme poverty, she rose to superstardom in the 1970s. Beyond her musical career, the star was active as an entrepreneur and supporter of research and social projects.
Unifying force in a divided land
Dolly Parton had fans beyond all political and social divides, notes De Volkskrant:
“In an America divided to the core, it is almost impossible to be loved by both conservatives and progressives. If there was one person who managed that feat – with fans ranging from the most die-hard Maga rednecks in the red [Republican] South to the left-wing hipsters in blue (or green) Brooklyn – it was Dolly Parton. For that reason alone, the national mourning in the United States is now so deep. Dolly Rebecca Parton was so much more than just the most successful country singer – and one of the most successful female pop artists – of all time.”
A universal role model
Berlingske comments:
“We live in an age of cultural battles. There are so few people who manage to bridge all the divides and rifts that these battles create. This is particularly true in the US, where, as we all know, everything is bigger – including the animosities and differences of opinion. But Dolly Parton was able to do this. That is why the news of her death at 80 is, culturally speaking, almost as significant as any other cultural icon's since Elvis Presley died in 1977. It is these atmospheric realms that we must enter if we are to grasp what Dolly Parton stood for and what she still stands for even after her death. She embraced everyone and everything. ... She and her story are a universal human role model.”
Even Trump is waxing sentimental
Aftonbladet pays tribute to the singer's great social commitment:
“Dolly Parton grew up in poverty. When fame and fortune came her way, she devoted a large part of her time and wealth to promoting children's literacy around the world, medical research and the fight against poverty. In a country like the US, anti-racism and support for the Covid-19 vaccine are not entirely neutral issues. ... Yet Dolly Parton stood up for what she believed and continued to be loved. ... Following her death on Tuesday, Donald Trump declared not just a day of mourning for the star, but a whole week during which the US flag will fly at half-mast. Not even he can take issue with her commitment to equality or Black rights.”