In this intensely divided moment, one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on is Dolly Parton—but why? That simple question leads to a deeply personal, historical, and musical rethinking of one of America’s great icons. Join us for a 9-episode journey into the Dollyverse. Hosted by Jad Abumrad. Produced and reported by Shima Oliaee. Dolly Parton’s America is a production from OSM Audio and WNYC Studios.
What this show covers
live musicbonus episodeNora BrownbluegrassAmythyst KiahNational Sawdustfeatured artistsDolly's Wildflowersensemble performanceSouthern identityAppalachiaClass and stereotypesHigher educationAmerican identityCivil War memory
What listeners will find here
Two live songs spotlight Nora Brown and Amythyst Kiah
This bonus music episode features two live recordings from the series, performed by bluegrass musicians Nora Brown and Amythyst Kiah. It’s a short musical detour centered on intimate performances rather than conversation.
A live musical gathering from Dolly’s Wildflowers and National Sawdust
This episode centers on live music from Dolly’s Wildflowers, featuring performances by a wide-ranging lineup of artists. It looks like a strong pick if you want the series distilled into a collaborative concert setting with contributions recorded at National Sawdust.
A college class uses Dolly Parton to wrestle with Appalachia, pride, and shame
A University of Tennessee history class called “Dolly Parton’s America” asks students to define what Dolly represents. Their essays open up a divided, personal debate about Southern identity, rural Appalachia, class, stereotypes, and whether Dolly helps or hurts the people she symbolizes.
When Dolly Dropped “Dixie”: A Culture-War Flashpoint at the Stampede
This episode examines the controversy around Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the decision to remove “Dixie” from its name after 2017. It connects the dinner theater’s Civil War framing to wider debates over monuments, memory, and how much contradiction America still tolerates in beloved public figures.
Dolly on faith, legacy, and the voice she believes will outlive her
Dolly Parton explores the faith that shapes her creativity, music, and outlook on life. The episode centers on a surprising spiritual story set in an abandoned church and on her thoughts about how her voice and memory might endure for generations.
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