Dolly Parton carried a torch of kindness, empathy and charity — why that's a tough act to follow

Dolly Parton is being remembered as a compassionate entertainer who donated much of her wealth and lent her name to causes she cared about deeply.

Scholars and historians say the country superstar's unique ability to speak about issues she viewed as important without dividing people is a difficult thing to replicate, especially in such polarizing times.