It’s hard to remember a time when Dolly Parton was not the one thing Americans have in common, her concerts a local consensus that bridge political divides. But in the 1970s, when feminine style was rejected as a tool of patriarchal oppression, she shrugged off mealy critiques that she was complicit in the male hegemony and cheerfully modeled herself after the town tramp. Now we realize that, not only was she in on the joke all along, she was warmly drawing us all into the circle of her good humor and fundamental goodwill. And we can’t imagine ourselves without her.

“Backwoods Barbie,” written and performed by Dolly Parton, 2008.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to 4th of July, 2025.

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