Vocalist and lyricist Dolly Parton has emerged as a beloved American symbol throughout her career spanning over six decades, which also encompasses acting, entrepreneurial endeavors, and charitable work. However, beyond her evident abilities and charisma, there lies something in Parton that surmounts cultural divides.
“What is it about her that resonates with everyone?” queries Will Bonfiglio, MA ’23, instructor in American culture studies within Arts & Sciences. “The left and the right, working-class, upper-class, youth, senior citizens, across racial lines, across sexual orientations … what is it?”
Bonfiglio’s class, “A Diamond in a Rhinestone World: The Performance and Politics of Dolly Parton,” employs this query as a springboard to explore themes such as race, gender, class, and sexuality through the lens of Dolly. Students from various disciplines across the university are attracted to this course—coming from architecture, business, engineering, American culture studies, and more—and they contribute a diverse array of viewpoints to classroom conversations. Within the spectrum of fandom, they range from ardent Dolly enthusiasts who have visited Dollywood to those who are only somewhat acquainted with her artistry.
“It’s a truly intriguing blend of students,” Bonfiglio remarks. “And Dolly serves as the ideal bridge for this pertinent, necessary, and urgent dialogue.”
Bonfiglio emphasizes that there are no straightforward explanations as to why Dolly Parton resonates with such a vast array of individuals. “We might have more inquiries now than solutions,” he states. Students have observed that Parton steers clear of discussing politics and religion, but instead champions concepts such as love, hope, acceptance, kindness, community, and belonging. “I believe this enables her to be everything to everyone,” Bonfiglio posits. “We suspect that might be how she becomes the great unifier. She has forged her own path.”
Student Hannah Gallin concurs, asserting that by not alienating segments of her audience, Parton can create a more significant social influence. “Most of my classes have enlightened me on how politicians and policies have shaped American history and culture,” she states. “However, this class unveiled how apolitical figures, like Dolly Parton, have been similarly, if not more, impactful.”
Beyond her skillful navigation of contentious topics, Parton attracts a variety of audiences through three primary means: the remarkable duration of her career, a multitude of thriving businesses, and her generosity.
“This woman is perpetually sharing her wealth,” Bonfiglio observes. “Perhaps the great unifier is that many individuals have benefitted from her through initiatives like the Imagination Library or her backing of the Moderna COVID vaccine.”
Naturally, Parton’s principal connection to her admirers is her music. Throughout the term, students present talks on selected Parton songs, featuring popular tracks like “Jolene” along with lesser-known gems like “Backwoods Barbie.” Each presentation delves into a song’s background, commercial and critical reception, lyrical interpretation, and the societal context in the U.S. at the time of the song’s release.
Furthermore, students compose essays on Dolly-related subjects as varied as the disciplines in the classroom. “We have an architecture student examining the postmodern aspects of Dollywood as an amusement park,” Bonfiglio shares. “And a business student investigating Parton’s various business strategies, such as her cookbook line.”
Bonfiglio is proud of the community that has developed among his students, and he aspires to impart a renewed appreciation for Dolly Parton. “We’re weary as a nation,” Bonfiglio reflects. “But there’s something about the messages she conveys through her music, a hope for the future. I can’t imagine anyone not loving that. We all depart from class feeling a bit uplifted.”
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