Dolly Parton's America

Dolly Parton's America is a deeply thoughtful and beautifully produced podcast from WNYC Studios, hosted by Radiolab co-creator Jad Abumrad, that explores how country music legend Dolly Parton became one of the few truly unifying figures in an increasingly divided America. Over nine episodes, the series examines Dolly's extraordinary ability to transcend political, cultural, and social boundaries while maintaining her authentic identity rooted in the Appalachian mountains of East Tennessee. Jad Abumrad brings his signature innovative sound design and narrative storytelling to explore themes of identity, authenticity, feminism, and the American dream through the lens of Dolly's remarkable life and career. The podcast features extensive original interviews with Dolly herself, who proves to be as thoughtful and complex as her music suggests, as well as conversations with scholars, musicians, and fans who help contextualize her cultural significance. The show also serves as a meditation on the power of music to bring people together across seemingly insurmountable divides. Dolly Parton's America won the Peabody Award and was widely praised as one of the finest podcast productions of its era.