Dolly Parton has emerged as the clear standout in a new U.S. favorability poll measuring the public’s views of more than 20 international luminaries.
The 11-time Grammy winner and philanthropist recorded a net favorability rating of 65%, placing her far ahead of the rest of the group. Former president Barack Obama came in second with 14%, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed with 12%.
The results show an especially strong level of public goodwill toward Parton, who has long been one of the most widely admired figures in American popular culture. In this survey, she outpaced her two nearest competitors by more than 50 percentage points.
The finding is notable not only for the size of Parton’s lead, but also for the breadth of the list she topped. The poll looked at opinions on more than 20 international figures, yet none came close to matching her level of favorability among respondents.
Parton’s enduring appeal has often stretched beyond music, and the poll suggests that affection remains exceptionally strong in the United States. The result also puts her well ahead of major political figures who are frequently prominent in global news coverage.
For Americans surveyed, the sentiment appears to reflect the same warmth and loyalty associated with one of Parton’s best-known songs, I Will Always Love You, which became a chart-topping hit in 1974.
The poll offers a striking snapshot of public opinion at a time when global personalities are often judged through political, cultural, and humanitarian lenses. In this case, Parton’s combination of musical legacy and philanthropic reputation appears to have set her apart from the rest of the field.
While Obama and Zelenskyy also registered positive scores, neither came close to the level of admiration recorded for Parton. Her lead underscores how exceptionally well regarded she remains among the U.S. public, even when measured against some of the most recognizable names on the international stage.
