Much-loved parent (3)
I believe the answer is:
pop
'parent' is the definition.
(I know that pop is a type of male parent)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pop that I've seen before include "Explosive sound; drink" , "Sound of a drawn cork" , "'American Dad'!" , "US fizzy drink and type of music" , "Modern music for the masses" .)