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Kansas Author Sarah Smarsh Explores The 'Unifying Figure' Of Dolly Parton

Paul Andrews
Sarah Smarsh's "She Come By It Natural" was originally published as a four-part series for roots-music magazine "No Depression."

Smarsh's new book, "She Come By It Natural," looks at how Dolly Parton's music gave a voice to working class women.

As a fifth-generation Kansas farm girl, Sarah Smarsh grew up listening to a lot of old country music. In her family, the music served as a language for women to talk about their feelings.

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When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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