SUMMARY
The world is mourning the passing of the queen of country, Dolly Parton. Her enormous legacy spans not only music, but the world of movies and entertainment, health care, philanthropy and education. Amna Nawaz takes a look at Parton's extraordinary life.
View the transcript of the story.
Short on time? Watch the video and complete the following See, Think, Wonder questions: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
News alternative: Check out our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. Then make a copy and answer these general discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who was Dolly Parton and where did she grow up?
- When did Parton start writing songs?
- What are some ways Parton managed and created such a successful career?
- How did Parton's generosity helped to build a sense of community in America?
- Why did Parton resonate (feel deeply connected to) with so many people?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver said of his aunt Dolly Parton: "Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible. Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent."
Why do you think Dolly Parton was so successful and beloved?
Media literacy: How do you think the inclusion of Parton's music throughout the news segment affect the viewer? How do you think pictures like the ones below from her early days as a performer to her movie career to murals created by her fans affect the viewer?
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot of a black and white photo of Dolly Parton as a young child with her family
Host Dolly Parton has the other stars join her during her hand-clapping country anthem to starts the 22nd annual CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. October 10, 1988. Callie Shell/USA Today Network via REUTERS. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
Actresses (L-R) Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton perform at the special edition DVD release party celebrating the 25th anniversary of "9 to 5" in Hollywood March 30, 2006 The film about the travails of women in the workplace will be released in a special edition DVD celebrating the film's 25th anniversary April 4. REUTERS/Fred Prouser
Dolly Parton accepts the Tex Ritter Award during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada April 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot of Dolly Parton mural
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Interview a family member, neighbor or a staff member at your school about what they most remember about Dolly Parton. Ask how Parton may have changed or affected them in some way; what songs do they remember; why they think she resonated so much with people and other aspects of Parton's life, including ways she helped build community and helped others. Share your responses with your class the next day.
You may also want to watch this piece from country singer Martina McBride talking about Parton:
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