The singer had a serendipitous mixture of humor, humility and humanity. We could all stand to channel it a bit more

The moment that the world found out that Dolly Parton had died, I was in a hair salon in the reddest congressional district in New York state. The neighborhood on the shore of Lake Erie where I move every summer voted solidly for Donald Trump in 2024.

I often pass a lawn sign that has something misogynistic to say about New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, and the mere mention of Kamala Harris’s name can bring derisive jokes. Of course, there certainly are liberals and independents to be found, but on balance the area leans right.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

Even as her talents and work ethic opened up the world to her, she kept coming home. For many in the complicated region she’s from, that meant a lot.

© Will Crooks for The New York Times

The country music star kept her home state at the forefront of her music and work. “She inspired Tennesseans to be better,” one resident said.

© Landon Edwards for The New York Times

Few could match the bipartisan support that Ms. Parton received in public opinion polls. Not even Taylor Swift.

© Bettmann, via Getty Images

Under new rules, recordings developed using generative A.I. will only be allowed if they are “substantially human-made,” the peak body says.

© Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for ARIA Hall of Fame

Our colleagues at The Amplifier newsletter have music recommendations for the final sun-basking days of summer.

© Vincent Tullo for The New York Times