US, Aug. 25 -- Dolly Parton died today at the age of 80. With her passing, the United States has lost far more than one of the greatest voices in country music. America has lost one of the people who helped give the country its magic.

For millions around the world, Dolly Parton was America. Not the America of Washington politics, red states and blue states, international disputes or election campaigns.

Hers was another America. It was an America of front porches and mountain roads, guitars and small towns, working people and big dreams. It was an America where someone could come from almost nothing and, through talent, humor, determination and an extraordinary capacity to connect with people, become known almost everywhere.

Dolly came ...