It’s not just that Dolly Parton was an amazing musician who exemplified the depth and soul of American country music.
She also exemplified a kind of American culture we no longer have: character, humor, optimism, individuality, compassion for others without abandonment of self.
She didn’t try to get ahead by painting herself as a victim or demonizing her competitors. She didn’t try to become whatever the Current Thing dictated.
She showed us the beauty of individualism that our culture has long forgotten: when you act from love and authenticity, you have no true competition and cannot lose.
She did what every great artist does and forged a completely inimitable career just by being herself.