Arts & Culture | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/arts-culture/RSS feed for Arts & CultureenMon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000‘Rocky’ Is the Story of an Underdog, Created by an Underdog, That Has Spawned Box-Office Champions for Half a Centuryhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/rocky-story-underdog-created-underdog-spawned-box-office-champions-half-century-180989274/Sylvester Stallone was a struggling actor when he was inspired by a real boxing match to write the film that became a legend. This year, the origin story of the franchise turns 50.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/rocky-story-underdog-created-underdog-spawned-box-office-champions-half-century-180989274/Dolly Parton Was One of the Biggest Stars in the History of Country Music. She Wanted to Be Remembered as a Songwriterhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/dolly-parton-was-one-of-the-biggest-stars-in-the-history-of-country-music-she-wanted-to-be-remembered-as-a-songwriter-180989405/After growing up in poverty, she became famous for her legendary songs, big heart and larger-than-life style. But the iconic musician insisted that "the songs lead to everything else"Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:58:35 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/dolly-parton-was-one-of-the-biggest-stars-in-the-history-of-country-music-she-wanted-to-be-remembered-as-a-songwriter-180989405/