But more than great music, celebrity, fashion or even entertainment, Parton was an inspiration. Her story of growing up poor, facing the cruelty of a world that didn\u2019t value women and learning to find and accept herself and others anyway resonated with people everywhere, inspiring them to \u201cShine On\u201d no matter what others said or thought.<\/p>\n
![\"Dolly](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-08-25T181450Z_622691101_RC27GX96UJAU_RTRMADP_3_PEOPLE-DOLLY-PARTON.jpg\" "\\"What")
Dolly Parton performs at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 6, 2022.Photo:REUTERS\/Mario Anzuoni<\/p>\n
Although Parton\u2019s big hair, affinity for rhinestones and over-the-top personality may have seemed a caricature to some, those who had met her told amNewYork that Parton was genuine, through and through.<\/p>\n
Angelo Iodice grew up in the Bronx, but found himself working as a trick rider for Dolly Parton\u2019s Stampede dinner theater in Branson, MO, in the 90s.\n<\/p>\n
He said that while logically, everyone dies, it was hard to imagine the rules applying to a figure like Parton.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought she would live forever, Iodice said. \u201cI normally don\u2019t care when I hear about celebrities or public figures passing, but it is really sad.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
He said he met the singer several times during his employment and was struck by how she went to great lengths to make sure the staff knew that she appreciated and respected them. Iodice described a particular experience when Parton visited and stayed all day, hours and hours of standing around in heels and rhinestones to take photos with the entire staff.<\/p>\n
Toward the end of the day, Iodice said the photographer became frustrated, impatient and a bit rude toward staff members, when Parton stopped the photo shoot and put him in his place.\n<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018\u200aI suggest that you take a deep breath, take our photo, and make sure we all look good,\u2019\u201d Iodice remembered Parton saying. \u201cAnd then she said, \u201c\u2019Smile, y\u2019all!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
That down-to-earth attitude was something that gave her universal appeal, so much so that local radio producer Jad Abumrad with WNYC wanted to study it. In 2019, Abumrad began exploring Parton\u2019s diverse fanbase through \u201cDolly Parton\u2019s America,\u201d highlighting the many people who love the iconic country queen, from across the political spectrum.<\/p>\n
Those who\u2019ve experienced a Dolly Parton concert can attest to the unique ecosystem of fans \u2014 a politically neutral zone where Republicans can stand beside democratic socialists in unity and belt out country songs from the 70s.<\/p>\n
Mayor Zohran Mamdani mourned the singer, who was known for music celebrating working-class Americans over social media.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is truly heartbreaking,\u201d Mamdani said in a social media post. \u201cDolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Broadway planned on celebrating Parton\u2019s 81st birthday with a new musical, DOLLY: A True Original Musical<\/a> based on her life, featuring new songs Parton had written for the stage performance along with classic hits. The show was set to premiere on her birthday, Jan. 19, 2027, with previews beginning in December. The producers declined interviews at this \u201cdevastating\u201d time.<\/p>\n