When Grief Goes Viral: The Shared Sorrow of Celebrity Losses The recent passing of Dolly Parton, Gloria Steinem, Bob Mackie, and Tim Curry has sent shockwaves through social media, sparking an outpouring of grief that transcends the typical boundaries of celebrity fandom.
Fans have been mourning in public spaces, leaving flowers and cards outside their homes, and even holding up their iPhones with flashlights on during concerts to pay tribute.
But why do we feel such a deep sense of loss when someone we've never met dies?