Gloria Steinem and Dolly Parton trailblazed on parallel paths

Gloria Steinem was an outspoken activist. Dolly Parton avoided politics. But both, in parallel, inspired generations of women to forge their own paths.

Then, they died within days of each other.

Steinem, a civil rights advocate, trailblazing feminist and award-winning journalist, died on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the age of 92. Just eight days earlier, on Aug. 25, country music icon and philanthropist Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Their deaths, untimely in proximity, have devastated many fans.

Decades earlier, Steinem and Parton's careers intersected when Ms. Magazine recognized the latter as 1987's Woman of the Year. The publication, founded by Steinem, awarded the title to influential women across different industries, and other past recipients include prosecutor Marcia Clark and actor Susan Sarandon.

Parton's profile for her Woman of the Year award was written by Steinem herself.

It opened by linking Parton to the feminist movement, contrary to how she positioned herself throughout her career.

"People who haven’t listened to Dolly Parton or to feminism may be surprised to learn that they go together," Steinem wrote.

She pointed to Parton's discography as an example. Seven years before earning the Ms. Magazine award, Parton released "9…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/