in 2019, abumrad hosted the nine-episode podcast "dolly parton's america," an in-depth exploration of the life, career, and enduring appeal of country music star and songwriter dolly parton. abumrad interviewed parton extensively for the podcast. in addition to his journalistic access to her, he also has a familial connection: parton and jad's father, naji, have been friends since naji was her doctor in the aftermath of a minor car accident.