Shima Oliaee Reflects on Dolly Parton’s Life and Legacy for TIME

USC Thornton alum Shima Oliaee (’05) wrote about the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton in a new piece for TIME magazine, published following Parton’s passing at age 80. Titled “Dolly Parton Loved Us All, Darlin’: Remembering Her Life and Legacy,” the piece explores Parton’s extraordinary career, her connection with audiences around the world and her enduring message of compassion and togetherness.

Oliaee’s connection to Parton goes back to her Peabody Award-winning 2019 podcast series Dolly Parton’s America, which examined the country music legend as a unifying figure during a deeply divided time in American life. In her TIME remembrance, Oliaee draws from her years of reporting on Parton, including conversations and experiences with the artist herself, offering a personal reflection on the woman behind the icon.

Read the full TIME piece here.