Why Dolly Parton could bring together Americans who agree on almost nothing

Throughout her life, Dolly Parton kept reminding me of something beautiful about being human.

Perhaps you noticed it too.

Her death has brought an outpouring of affection from people who otherwise might agree on very little. And it leaves me wondering: What was it about Dolly? Talent alone doesn't explain it. Success doesn't explain it. Even her extraordinary generosity doesn't fully explain it.

DOLLY PARTON DIES AT THE AGE OF 80: A LOOK AT HER LIFE THROUGH PHOTOS

I suspect we recognized something deeper ...