LETTER: The passing of a legend

Letter Reflects on Dolly Parton’s Legacy Phil Winter Henderson August 28, 2026 - 9:00 pm Dolly Parton was 1 of the entertainers who brought me the utmost joy throughout my lifetime. Yet what I admired most about her extended far beyond her singular music and talent. To me, Dolly embodied the finest qualities of the American spirit: caring, humble, generous, hard‑working, professional, grounded in communal consciousness and respectful of others. At a time when our nation often seems defined by anger and division, Dolly reminded us of another America — 1 where people can disagree and still respect 1 another, 1 where success does not require arrogance, kindness is not a sign of weakness, and helping others is simply the right thing to do. She became 1 of the world’s biggest stars without ever trying to conceal where she came from. She used that prominence to assist others, including donating millions of books to children through her Imagination Library. She was also united with Carl Dean for about 59 years before his passing last year — a remarkable testament to commitment, especially within the entertainment world. Dolly showed that success, humility, common sense, kindness and generosity can coexist. Dolly Parton represented an America I still believe in. Thank you for the music, the laughter,