Dolly Parton Dominates Favorability Poll, Outshining Obama and Trump

Apr 14, 2026, 2:29 AM
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Country music legend Dolly Parton has achieved an extraordinary feat by topping a recent favorability poll with a net favorability score of +65. This score is more than 50 points higher than any other public figure in the survey, which included prominent names like former President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump.
According to the University of Massachusetts/YouGov poll, 70% of respondents expressed a positive opinion of Parton, while only 5% viewed her unfavorably. The rest of the participants either had not heard of her (6%) or had no opinion (19%). This overwhelming positive sentiment resulted in a net favorability rating that far exceeds that of her closest competitor, Barack Obama, who has a net favorability score of +14.
Barack Obama was the only other individual in the poll to achieve a favorability rating of 50% or higher. He garnered a 50% favorability score against a 36% unfavorable rating. Following Obama, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ranked third with a net favorability of +13, while figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and former President George W. Bush managed to receive net scores of +6 and +5, respectively.
In stark contrast, Donald Trump recorded a favorability rating of only 36%, resulting in a net favorability of -18. This places him in a less favorable light compared to both Parton and Obama. Similarly, current President Joe Biden has a net favorability of -19, with only 32% of respondents holding a favorable view of him.
The poll also highlighted the mixed public perceptions of other high-profile individuals. Tesla CEO Elon Musk received a net rating of -16, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg found himself at the bottom of the list with just a 10% favorability rating, leading to a net score of -60. Russian President Vladimir Putin finished last overall, with only 5% of respondents expressing a favorable opinion, resulting in a net favorability of -65.
Dolly Parton's remarkable rise in favorability demonstrates her lasting impact and popularity in American culture, more than five decades after she released her iconic song, "I Will Always Love You." This latest poll underscores her status as a beloved figure across various demographics, further solidifying her legacy in both music and public life.
As the favorability ratings of political figures fluctuate, Parton's consistent appeal serves as a reminder of the power of celebrity in shaping public opinion. Her ability to resonate with the masses transcends political divides, making her a unique figure in today's polarized environment.
In conclusion, Dolly Parton's commanding lead in the favorability poll is a testament to her enduring charm and the affection she holds in the hearts of many Americans, standing tall above political leaders and fellow entertainers alike.

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