Best Of: The Aesthetic That Explains American Identity Now

With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting an episode from our archives that explores an aesthetic the legendary country singer knew well: rural. Last year, the New York Times Opinion editor Meher Ahmad spoke with the columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom and the contributor Emily Keegin about why rural aesthetics are having a moment — and what their rise says about American politics and society at large.

This episode originally aired Dec. 2, 2025.

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This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original Music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.

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