Rest in peace, Dolly Parton: Letters to the Editor — Aug. 27, 2026

Dolly Parton poses on the red carpet at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Justin Paludipan / SplashNews.com

The Issue: Country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton passes away at age 80.

To me, and many others, those who make it their mission in life to spread joy, love, comfort and knowledge often seem invincible, as Dolly Parton did (“Country lost treasure,” Aug. 26).

The news of her passing is a sobering reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised.

Times are interesting, to say the least.

But if people from all walks of life can agree today that Parton made the world a better place, then perhaps we aren’t as divided as we initially thought.

May her memory be a blessing.

Evan Grollman

Highland Park, NJ

America lost a country music legend.

The Smoky Mountains are a little quieter, and the whole world feels a bit less sparkly.

It’s hard to imagine a world without Parton’s big, beautiful smile and her voice that felt like home.

Thomas De Julio

Delray Beach, Fla.

Not since Elvis Presley has there been universal mourning for a musician like this.

Parton was much more than an entertainer.

She was humble, donating some of her earnings to charity.

She encouraged young children to read.

She was not a diva.

May she rest in peace.

Matt Engel

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

It’s difficult to believe that singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton is no longer with us.

She was dazzling and simply larger than life.

There is no question that she will be remembered as one of the greatest performers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

From humble beginnings to great success, she never forgot her roots.

Goodbyes are always sad and Dolly will be missed.

JoAnn Lee Frank

Clearwater, Fla.

Dolly’s smile, laugh and incredible talent will be missed by millions.

When she sees Patsy Cline, Elvis, Johnny Cash and June Carter on the other side, the music they create will be otherworldly.

RIP, Dolly. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach, Calif.

The legendary, brilliant and unrepeatable Parton has died at 80.

A country music icon, she was one of the most beloved people in the world.

My deepest condolences in these sad moments to her family, friends and fans. Rest in peace, Dolly.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

The Issue: Mayor Mamdani’s plans to spend $70 million to open five city-owned supermarkets.

Spending millions on city-run grocery stores is a total waste (“This Is Bananas! Grocers Sue Zo,” Aug. 25).

First off, the first location being opened in is not a food desert.

Plenty of stores around there will be put out of business and employees will lose their jobs.

Second, these stores will not be paying standard taxes or rent.

They will also be subsidized by our taxpayer dollars to keep prices at the wholesale level.

Finally, what’s to stop people from buying and reselling at a profit?

Bill Isler

Floral Park

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

State-controlled grocery stores have been tried over and over in Russia, East Germany, China and most recently in Kansas City. It has failed every time.

This latest folly will fail, just like all the previous attempts have and the insanity will push politicians to keep trying.

Politicians do what politicians do: work in their own political interest, pad their nests, spend other people’s money and screw up any enterprise they get their paws on.

Steve Heitner

Middle Island

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