When it comes to public figures here in America there are certainly a lot to choose from, but there is one who stands out above all others in a new poll, and that’s Dolly Parton.
The annual University of Massachusetts Lowell/YouGov poll has Parton topping the list, which might come as a surprise to you or not.
What is a surprise to me is just how far she was in the lead in the poll.
Who Are the Most Admired Public Figures in America?
According to the new poll, the numbers break down like this:
- Dolly Parton: (+65)
- Barack Obama: (+14)
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: (+13)
- Bernie Sanders: (+6)
- George W. Bush: (+5)
- Taylor Swift: (+3)
Parton tops the list of most beloved public figures, coming in at 50 points higher than former President Barack Obama and 62 points higher than Taylor Swift.
Why Everyone Loves Dolly Parton
Well, I don’t have all day to list the amazing reasons we love our country queen, but I will go through a few.
One is that she’s genuinely kind. She’s known for treating everyone the same, whether it be fans, crew or even strangers. You won’t ever hear a bad story about how she treats people — and if you do, I’ll bet it’s fabricated to some extent.
READ MORE: Dolly Parton Taught Miley Cyrus a ‘Terrible Habit’ — It Actually Paid Off
She’s obviously the real deal as an artist and songwriter, and the proof is in the numbers over the past decades.
She gives back in a big way with her Imagination Library, which has given away millions of free books to kids. She quietly does a lot of good without making it about publicity.
One thing is for sure: Everyone in America gets that warm, comforting feeling just from seeing or hearing Parton, and her legacy will no doubt live on forever.
Dolly Parton: 80 Years and 80 Unforgettable Moments
The country queen turned 80 years old on Jan. 19, 2026. Consider this our birthday card, or a long letter that states all the ways she’s appreciated.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
See Pictures of Dolly Parton, Through the Years
Dolly Parton was a striking young woman in 1965 and little has changed except for her age. See pictures of the country music legend through the years in this gallery.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
