The Wisdom of Dolly Parton

The Wisdom of Dolly Parton

August 28, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

This episode revisits a conversation with Sarah Smarsh about Dolly Parton's influence on feminism and her artistic legacy.

Dolly Parton created and image that was glittery and bubbly, blonde wigs and rhinestone dresses – which belies the powerful brand of feminism that attracts her adoring fans. The mark her death, we’re revisiting our 2020 conversation with Sarah Smarsh, who joined host Krys Boyd to explore the creative genius of the iconic singer and actress — a prolific songwriter of more than 3,000 songs — and a pioneer for exploring class and gender issues in America. Smarsh’s book is called “ She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs .” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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