Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem, two influential figures in American culture and women's rights, died eight days apart in late August and early September. Their deaths sparked widespread mourning and reflection on two distinct paths to female empowerment, as the nation processed the loss of a country music icon who rejected the feminist label and a journalist who defined the modern feminist movement.
What the Left Is Saying
Prominent Democratic figures and liberal commentators have centered their tributes on Gloria Steinem’s legacy of activism and optimism. Hillary Clinton posted tributes highlighting Steinem’s work as a journalist and activist who founded Ms. Magazine and advocated for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive freedom.
DeMond B Nason, a New York City singer, noted that Steinem taught people to 'speak up.' Swati Narayan, writing for American Kahani, observed that both women believed in women's ability to make their own choices, though Steinem’s lifelong alignment with progressive causes stands in contrast to Parton's political neutrality.
Steinem’s legacy is frequently cited by the left in terms of institutional political activism and the fight for legal equality, including her support for Roe v. Wade prior to its overturning by the Supreme Court.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative leaders and supporters have emphasized Dolly Parton’s broad appeal across political divides and her roots in American culture. President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in respect for Parton, a gesture that highlighted her status as a unifying figure.
Parton publicly rejected the label of feminist, stating in a 2019 Radiolab podcast interview that she did not want to be associated with political extremes. During the 2016 campaign, she noted that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were 'nuts,' maintaining a refusal to endorse political candidates.
DeMond B Nason also remarked that Parton taught people to 'dream big,' reflecting the conservative appreciation for her persona rooted in her Appalachian upbringing and her business ventures that addressed women's economic independence without explicit political alignment.
What the Numbers Show
Parton died on Aug. 25, followed by Steinem on Sept. 2, marking an eight-day gap between the deaths of two cultural icons. The timing led to immediate comparisons and dual tributes from fans, politicians, and cultural figures.
Ms. Magazine re-ran a 1987 essay by Steinem in which she praised Parton, noting that while Parton did not call herself a feminist, she embodied the spirit of finding one's unique power and helping other women do the same.
The Bottom Line
The deaths of Parton and Steinem mark the end of an era for two prominent voices on women's rights, leaving a void in public discourse. Their differing approaches—Steinem's overt political activism versus Parton's apolitical assertion of individual power—continue to influence how women navigate public life.
As the country moves forward, the question of who will assume these roles in advocating for women's issues remains a central topic of discussion in cultural and political circles.