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.

Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Aliso...