Dolly Parton’s Unique Feminist Power, as Told by Gloria Steinem (January 1987)

Left photo: Publicity shot of American singer Dolly Parton – 1977. Attribution: RCA Records via Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Right photo: Gloria Steinem at a women’s conference held at the LBJ Library – 1975. LBJ Library photo by Frank Wolfe. Attribution: “B5699-5” by LBJ Library via Flickr. Public Domain Mark. Article by Gloria Steinem. Ms. Magazine – August 27, 2026.

People who haven’t listened to Dolly Parton or to feminism may be surprised to learn that they go together. In fact, she has crossed musical class lines to bring work, real life, and strong women into a world of pop music usually dominated by unreal romance. She has used her business sense to bring other women and poor people along with her. And her flamboyant style has turned all the devalued symbols of womanliness to her own ends. If feminism means each of us finding our unique power, and helping other women do the same, Dolly Parton certainly has done both. […]

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The Dolly Parton paradox: Rhinestones, kindness, and the making of a powerful leader – Arizona State University (ASU)

We All Stand on Gloria Steinem’s Shoulders – Common Dreams

Tending the Sorrow – The Good Men Project

Opinion | Dolly Parton’s gone. Gloria Steinem’s gone. The next cool old lady is you – Toronto Star

Christine Ledbetter: Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem left us with the same lesson – TribLIVE.com