Dolly Parton.
Grief has rocked the Nashville music community following the loss of global icon Dolly Parton yesterday (Aug. 25).
One of the most universally beloved and most widely respected artists of all time, she amassed 44 top-10 country albums, more than any other artist, and garnered 11 Grammy Awards, 10 CMA Awards, 40 BMI Songwriter honors, eight BMI Million-Air certificates, a National Medal of Arts and multiple hall of fame inductions. Beyond her musical talents, Parton was known for her philanthropy, which extended to Appalachian charities, medical clinics and educational programs, among other initiatives.
Read her full obituary here.
Industry members, songwriters and artists in Nashville and beyond took to social media to share remembrances of Parton. Below are some of those messages.
She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on. She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home. ❤️🦋 – Carrie Underwood
The last thing Dolly said to me was, “Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You.” She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the Occasion of my 65th Opry anniversary a few weeks ago. She was Smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense. – Bill Anderson
A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one. She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow, she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously. She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow, she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist. Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way. – Taylor Swift tells Billboard
My admiration for Dolly is as high as it can go. She was a one-of-a-kind entertainer. She did it all and did it great! I thank God for Dolly Parton. – Randy Owen/ALABAMA
The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts. What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋 I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. 💖 – Miley Cyrus
Today the world has lost a friend, but heaven has gained a beloved daughter. Dolly was one of the most loving and caring souls I have ever met. I had known who she was for many years, but really got to know her when we did some studio work together. I got to know her love for music, her love for the poor, and her love for Jesus! Dolly was born to shine her light in the darkness, and today she woke up in that magnificent light that she was given to shine in this world. There has never been any one like her in our lifetime, but good seed brings forth good fruit. And I pray that the Lord would give us many more people like Dolly who would shine His light into the world where hurting people are. Well done good and faithful sister! – Ricky Skaggs
Thank you for everything Dolly. I will always love you. Fly high honky tonk angel 💕🦋 – Miranda Lambert
Since I was a little girl, Dolly set the bar. Always the smartest, talented, glamorous, generous, luminous person in the room. I’m sure she’d laugh that off… she never seemed to take herself or things too seriously, except when it came to her art, her charity and philanthropy, and letting people know in no uncertain terms who she gave thanks to for her gifts. God infused, God inspired, God propelled. To hear her sing live in a room without a microphone was to have the hair stand up on the back of your neck. I had the thrill of that at my home, and well, I’ll say it again: God’s E.Q. She never forgot where she came from; she just was an endless well of creativity. I sat in a parking lot a couple of years back and played my sister ‘Down from Dover,’ which she had somehow missed growing up. We sat there in the car and bawled. I just could go on and on. There’s a Dolly-shaped hole in so many hearts today, mine included. Her work here was done. She’s gone home. – Pam Tillis
It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton. She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri when I had a life threatening illness. She said, ‘I had to make sure you were okay myself.’ Her work ethic was unmatched, and although she was a world icon, she was as down to earth as your next door neighbor. I will ALWAYS love you, Dolly!! – Rhonda Vincent
Dolly Parton has meant so much to Nashville, to Tennessee and to people around the world. Her music helped define Music City and brought generations of visitors here, but her impact reaches far beyond the songs we all know and love. We were incredibly proud to induct Dolly into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2009 and to honor her with our hospitality industry’s highest award in 2025. I was fortunate to first meet Dolly early in my career in East Tennessee, and I saw firsthand what made her so special. As a woman and a leader, she showed us that strength and kindness could go hand in hand. She was incredibly smart, knew exactly who she was and never felt the need to be anyone else to succeed. Even after all she accomplished, she never stopped creating, giving back and investing in Nashville. Her generosity and her legacy in Music City will be felt for years to come. – Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
It’s nearly impossible to fully capture the depth of what Dolly Parton means to the world. Through her unwavering dedication to philanthropy, she gave back to her community and to the world with the same heart that defined her music. On behalf of the Recording Academy, our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and the countless fans whose lives she touched. Her legacy – one of talent, kindness and resilience – will endure for generations to come. – Harvey Mason jr.
The passing of Dolly Parton will be deeply felt throughout our membership. Her life and legacy of joy and creativity had an indescribable impact on the world. As a singer, songwriter, performer, business leader and all-around visionary, Dolly Parton’s talent is revered across generations. Her basic humanity is known to the world and she is simply beloved by countless millions. Personally, from 9 to 5 when she effortlessly advanced the cause of professional women, to her Islands in the Stream collaboration with Kenny Rogers, I’m a true and forever fan. On behalf of SAG-AFTRA and my family, we send thoughts of love and condolence to her family. – SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin
Dolly, You were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art you are truly one of one. Rest peacefully. – Beyoncé
The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl. – Don McLean
Dolly Parton was a once-in-a-generation artist and, just as importantly, someone of true generosity and decency. As a fellow native Tennessean, I’m humbled by what she did with her platform: putting books in the hands of millions of children through the Imagination Library, standing up for people being treated unfairly, and modeling real inclusion, including as a steady friend to the LGBTQ+ community well before that was easy to do. SAG-AFTRA and the entire creative community mourn her loss. – SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms. In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, “Honey, this trash sells records!” Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will. – Billy Ray Cyrus
Sad to hear of the passing of [Dolly Parton] today. The term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was. An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family. I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room. It’s always sad when one of our heroes passes away, but the beauty in music is that her art will live on forever. Rest easy Dolly and thank you for the contributions you made and the doors you kicked down for all of us that came after you. – Jason Aldean
Dolly was the songbook of many of our lives. I remember when she joined the Porter Waggoner Show. We were on those shows and shared the same dressing room. She was charming then, just as she was the last time I saw her. “When I Sing For Him” is one of my favorite songs she ever sang. We recorded “Coat Of Many Colors”, written by Dolly. When she wrote, “I Will Always Love You”, I believe that is one of the greatest songs ever written. When she called us to help open her new theater in Pigeon Forge, I was thrilled. One of the highlights of my career is to have THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, BOB HOPE, DOLLY PARTON, opening her new theater. Dolly, I could go on and on about you giving to children’s learning, but others will want to thank you. I will close with, “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU” – Duane Allen/The Oak Ridge Boys
WMOT Roots Radio Celebrates Decade As A Leading Voice In Americana
/by Lorie HollabaughSince flipping its format to Americana on Sept. 2, 2016, the 100,000-watt station has been an early supporter of artists including Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, The War And Treaty, Allison Russell, and more. WMOT has grown during the decade from a regional radio station into a national and international destination for Americana and roots music, with an online and app-based audience now reaching roughly one million and growing.
“At WMOT we’re celebrating 10 years as THE Americana music station in Middle Tennessee,” says WMOT Executive Director Val Hoeppner. “I think our success is because we are a public radio station, charged with following the interests of our listeners, not stockholders. At a time when algorithms and computers drive songs on streaming platforms, WMOT plays artists’ careers. With authenticity as the core of our brand we employ human hosts that handcraft playlists for exploration and music discovery.”
WMOT is inviting listeners to celebrate the anniversary alongside station staff at two longtime Nashville institutions on Sept. 2. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. at Brown’s Diner, where listeners can join the WMOT team for lunch and performances from Roderick August at 11:30 a.m. and Lucciana Costa at 12:15 p.m. From 4:30-6:30 p.m., the celebration moves to Robert’s Western World for happy hour and live performances from Paul Kramer and Kelley’s Heroes.
WMOT first went on the air in 1969 and became a charter member of NPR in 1970. After three decades as a jazz station and a later period of mixed programming, the station underwent a dramatic reinvention in 2016. Then-MTSU media and entertainment dean Ken Paulson proposed an all-Americana format built around the music being written, recorded and performed throughout Nashville. Hoeppner backed the vision, and WMOT partnered with the nationally syndicated Music City Roots to develop Roots Radio. Veteran programmer and DJ Jessie Scott joined as program director, and the new format launched September 2, 2016, with a live broadcast from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featuring Jim Lauderdale, Suzy Bogguss, Mike Farris, Will Hoge and a cast of bluegrass artists.
In the decade since, WMOT has developed an ecosystem that includes Finally Friday, which presents three artists live each week from Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley; Wired In brings leading Americana artists into intimate performances for sustaining members; and The Local Brew provides a dedicated platform for emerging Nashville artists. Its specialty programming explores bluegrass, old-time, gospel and the outer reaches of roots music.
WMOT also produces the official AmericanaFest Day Stage in collaboration with NPR Music and World Cafe, an annual partnership that began in 2017 and has become a centerpiece of the festival. The station has expanded its live video production through performances at its East Nashville studio and the 30A Songwriters Festival, while its YouTube channel has surpassed one million cumulative views.
Posthumous Todd Snider Project ‘My Second Rodeo’ Due In October
/by Lorie HollabaughMy Second Rodeo, a posthumous album by Todd Snider, is set to be released by Thirty Tigers and Aimless, Inc. on Oct. 9, just days before what would have been his 60th birthday,
Snider had recorded the 10-song collection of brand new songs last fall just before his passing. The album’s lead single “Solid Country Gold” is out now, which Snider co-wrote with Jack Ingram in August of 2025 and would ultimately become the spark for My Second Rodeo.
The album was completed over the course of the last year by producer/engineer and Snider’s longtime friend Joe Bisirri and co-producer Robbie Crowell, and is the realization of Snider’s very distinct vision for the follow-up to 2025’s High, Lonesome and Then Some project. He was determined to record an album of songs that deconstructed country music. Beginning with the retrospective opening track, My Second Rodeo is filled with wry talking-blues, gospel rockers, celebrations of weed, irreverent dissertations on religion, social class, and politics and more, in classic Snider style. The album also includes a completed version of “(I Got That) Déjà Vu,” which he co-wrote with the late country outlaw Billy Joe Shaver many years before.
“This album is a glimpse into the creative outpouring from Todd in September and October of 2025,” says Bisirri. “His ‘sound of country music 10 years from now’ meant taking his favorite country music tropes, dismantling and reassembling them over stretched-out, swampy grooves with New Orleans-style horns. He was so sure of this sound, feel, and his studio band’s pliability that he insisted on recording his vocal and guitar first, with no accompaniment or click track. Todd wanted the band to record after him, so they would HAVE to follow his lead wherever it went.”
“Todd had an amazing knack for knowing where he wanted to go next musically,” adds Crowell. “Helping to realize that vision was always one of my favorite things to do. It was always left of center, unexpected, and deeply layered.”
My Second Rodeo will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl, including a limited purple pressing exclusive to Nashville record stores, a “synthwave” variant available through the Todd Snider Shop, a yellow variant available at other independent record stores, as well as the standard black variant.
My Second Rodeo Track List:
1. “Freewheelin’ (Every Day at a Time)”
2. “Solid Country Gold”
3. “(I Got That) Déjà Vu”
4. “Can Your Monkey Do the Splits”
5. “Stoner Yodel Number 3 (Give Me a D for Gym Glass)”
6. “The Manifesto”
7. “One Nation Under Fire”
8. “My Second Rodeo”
9. “Sunday Go to Meeting Looking”
10. “The Moon Tonight”
Radio Veteran Ted Cramer Dies
/by LB CantrellTed Cramer
Ted Cramer, also known as Cary Maurice Forester Tricarico, passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the Center for Hospice Care- Esther’s House in Elkhart, Indiana. He was 65.
Cramer served as Program Director of WIFE and WLPK in Indiana. He was a part of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel, and was selected as MusicRow‘s Reporter of the Year in 2021 for his passion.
Beginning his radio career at 17, Cramer spent time at various stations in the country before his time in Indiana.
Cramer is survived by his children, Jensine Tricarico and her partner Marc Wertenberger of Elkhart, IN., Janyce (Zachary) Logan of Elkhart, IN and Jaison Spink of Las Vegas, NV; his grandchildren, Kyle (Mallory) Cannon, Evangeline Hesselgrave, Matthew Cannon, Brendon Hesselgrave, Ozzie Wertenberger, Graysen Hesselgrave and Adilyne Logan, one great-grandchild, Khylen Cannon and one on the way, and his brother Scott (Lisa) Tricarico. Cary was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Forest and Rhoda and John Tricarico and his baby boy, John Tricarico.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ox Bow Park, at the Cottonwood Shelter (23033 CR 45, Goshen, IN 46528). Online condolences may be made to Cary’s family at stemmlawsonpeterson.com.
Sara Evans Plots 2026 ‘Holiday Road Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughSara Evans will celebrate the holiday season this year on her 2026 “Holiday Road Tour,” which visits 10 cities throughout the country beginning Dec. 2 in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Featuring a blend of Evans’ hits and beloved holiday favorites, the limited engagement run has become a seasonal tradition. Braden Hull will open all dates of the tour after six months of opening for Evans on the road. General on-sale for the tour begins tomorrow (Aug. 28).
“There’s always something so magical and special about Christmastime and the holidays every year,” says Evans. “I love getting to hit the road with my band and bring our versions of your favorite holiday songs to your hometown. ‘The Holiday Road Tour’ is really about celebrating all of those things that make this time of year so special: family, tradition, memories, music, and just being together. I hope people can come spend the evening with us, sing along, have a few laughs, and leave feeling a little more in the Christmas spirit. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”
Sara Evans “Holiday Road Tour” Dates:
Dec. 2 – Cranston, RI – Historic Park Theatre & Event Center
Dec. 3 – Laconia, NH – Colonial Theatre
Dec. 4 – Groton, MA – Groton Hill Music Center
Dec. 5 – Newton, NJ – The Newton Theatre
Dec. 9 – North Tonawanda, NY – Riviera Theatre
Dec. 10 – Albany, NY – The Egg Center
Dec. 11 – Millville, NJ – Levoy Theatre
Dec. 12 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak
Dec. 16 – Green Bay, WI – Meyer Theatre
Dec. 18 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place
Dolly Parton’s Team Shares Update On Projects In The Pipeline
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Parton
Dolly Parton never stopped dreaming, working tirelessly right up until her passing earlier this week on a myriad of exciting new projects.
Her team issued a statement to her millions of fans around the world ensuring that they will continue bringing her multitude of projects that were in development to fruition.
“Dolly worked up until the day she died. She loved seeing her dreams come to life, and loved knowing her work brought people joy. Ever the planner, Dolly worked with the team that she handpicked, for the past several years to build a project roadmap that will guide us for decades to come,” says Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell.
“As the leader of the team responsible for overseeing her legacy, we will ensure the many dreams she had yet to fulfill are brought to life. Many projects were in various stages of development, and we want to be transparent with her fans about this fact. If you see unreleased music, products, books, experiences, and campaigns launched through official Dolly Parton channels, you can have confidence in knowing that she placed her personal stamp on it.”
Projects active at the time of Parton’s passing include:
– Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops (celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week beginning Sept. 13)
– Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel (stays begin Sept. 14; grand opening Sept. 29)
– Dolly Dolls (launching online Sept.15)
– Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum (grand opening Sept. 29)
– Dolly’s Cup Of Ambition Coffee (launching online Sept. 29; retail launch Spring 2027)
– Dolly On The Holly (Coming Holiday 2026)
– DOLLY: A True Original Musical On Broadway (Previews begin December 7, 2026; Opening Night Jan.19 with tickets currently on-sale through Nov. 21, 2027)
– Kendra Scott x Dolly – The 9 to 5 Collection (launching January 2027)
– Dolly’s Dog Treats (Coming Early 2027)
– Dolly Bedding & Home Decor (Coming Q3 2027)
Details on these projects, and additional projects in the pipeline including a Dolly avatar show (which she revealed last week in a PEOPLE interview), a Dolly Musical documentary, a Dolly biopic, a Dolly docuseries, a Dolly scripted series, a Billy The Kid animated series, and many more, will be revealed soon.
WME Elevates Sara Williams To Head Of Music Marketing
/by Lauryn SinkSara Williams. Photo: Courtesy of WME
WME has elevated Sara Williams to Head of Music Marketing. Williams will continue to be based in Nashville and will now report to Kirk Sommer, Global Head of Music for WME.
In her new role, Williams oversees the full music marketing team. Since joining WME’s music marketing team in 2019, she has led strategic efforts for a range of clients, including Luke Combs, Duran Duran, Zach Bryan, Puscifer, Kane Brown, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Coheed and Cambria, Weezer and more. Before joining WME, Williams led the marketing department at AEG Presents Rocky Mountains in Denver and started her career in radio marketing and promotions. She is an alumna of the University of Colorado, Boulder.
“Since joining WME, Sara has been an inspiring and trusted presence, built terrific relationships across the agency, and brought fresh thinking to our artists’ touring business,” says Sommer. “She is a natural fit to run our music marketing group and we’re excited to continue growing this offering under her leadership.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this role and expand on the exceptional foundation our world-class marketing team has built across the globe,” adds Williams. “With a roster as unparalleled as WME’s, this is an exciting time to grow our department and elevate the strategic work our team does to connect our clients with their fans.”
Levi Jackson, who previously oversaw WME’s music marketing division, has moved onto WME’s Brand Strategy team as VP, Music reporting into group head Robbie Henchman.
Nashville Community Remembers Dolly Parton
/by Lauryn SinkDolly Parton.
Grief has rocked the Nashville music community following the loss of global icon Dolly Parton yesterday (Aug. 25).
One of the most universally beloved and most widely respected artists of all time, she amassed 44 top-10 country albums, more than any other artist, and garnered 11 Grammy Awards, 10 CMA Awards, 40 BMI Songwriter honors, eight BMI Million-Air certificates, a National Medal of Arts and multiple hall of fame inductions. Beyond her musical talents, Parton was known for her philanthropy, which extended to Appalachian charities, medical clinics and educational programs, among other initiatives.
Read her full obituary here.
Industry members, songwriters and artists in Nashville and beyond took to social media to share remembrances of Parton. Below are some of those messages.
She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on. She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home. ❤️🦋 – Carrie Underwood
The last thing Dolly said to me was, “Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You.” She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the Occasion of my 65th Opry anniversary a few weeks ago. She was Smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense. – Bill Anderson
A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one. She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow, she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously. She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow, she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist. Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way. – Taylor Swift tells Billboard
My admiration for Dolly is as high as it can go. She was a one-of-a-kind entertainer. She did it all and did it great! I thank God for Dolly Parton. – Randy Owen/ALABAMA
The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts. What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋 I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. 💖 – Miley Cyrus
Today the world has lost a friend, but heaven has gained a beloved daughter. Dolly was one of the most loving and caring souls I have ever met. I had known who she was for many years, but really got to know her when we did some studio work together. I got to know her love for music, her love for the poor, and her love for Jesus! Dolly was born to shine her light in the darkness, and today she woke up in that magnificent light that she was given to shine in this world. There has never been any one like her in our lifetime, but good seed brings forth good fruit. And I pray that the Lord would give us many more people like Dolly who would shine His light into the world where hurting people are. Well done good and faithful sister! – Ricky Skaggs
Thank you for everything Dolly. I will always love you. Fly high honky tonk angel 💕🦋 – Miranda Lambert
Since I was a little girl, Dolly set the bar. Always the smartest, talented, glamorous, generous, luminous person in the room. I’m sure she’d laugh that off… she never seemed to take herself or things too seriously, except when it came to her art, her charity and philanthropy, and letting people know in no uncertain terms who she gave thanks to for her gifts. God infused, God inspired, God propelled. To hear her sing live in a room without a microphone was to have the hair stand up on the back of your neck. I had the thrill of that at my home, and well, I’ll say it again: God’s E.Q. She never forgot where she came from; she just was an endless well of creativity. I sat in a parking lot a couple of years back and played my sister ‘Down from Dover,’ which she had somehow missed growing up. We sat there in the car and bawled. I just could go on and on. There’s a Dolly-shaped hole in so many hearts today, mine included. Her work here was done. She’s gone home. – Pam Tillis
It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton. She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri when I had a life threatening illness. She said, ‘I had to make sure you were okay myself.’ Her work ethic was unmatched, and although she was a world icon, she was as down to earth as your next door neighbor. I will ALWAYS love you, Dolly!! – Rhonda Vincent
Dolly Parton has meant so much to Nashville, to Tennessee and to people around the world. Her music helped define Music City and brought generations of visitors here, but her impact reaches far beyond the songs we all know and love. We were incredibly proud to induct Dolly into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2009 and to honor her with our hospitality industry’s highest award in 2025. I was fortunate to first meet Dolly early in my career in East Tennessee, and I saw firsthand what made her so special. As a woman and a leader, she showed us that strength and kindness could go hand in hand. She was incredibly smart, knew exactly who she was and never felt the need to be anyone else to succeed. Even after all she accomplished, she never stopped creating, giving back and investing in Nashville. Her generosity and her legacy in Music City will be felt for years to come. – Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
It’s nearly impossible to fully capture the depth of what Dolly Parton means to the world. Through her unwavering dedication to philanthropy, she gave back to her community and to the world with the same heart that defined her music. On behalf of the Recording Academy, our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and the countless fans whose lives she touched. Her legacy – one of talent, kindness and resilience – will endure for generations to come. – Harvey Mason jr.
The passing of Dolly Parton will be deeply felt throughout our membership. Her life and legacy of joy and creativity had an indescribable impact on the world. As a singer, songwriter, performer, business leader and all-around visionary, Dolly Parton’s talent is revered across generations. Her basic humanity is known to the world and she is simply beloved by countless millions. Personally, from 9 to 5 when she effortlessly advanced the cause of professional women, to her Islands in the Stream collaboration with Kenny Rogers, I’m a true and forever fan. On behalf of SAG-AFTRA and my family, we send thoughts of love and condolence to her family. – SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin
Dolly, You were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art you are truly one of one. Rest peacefully. – Beyoncé
The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl. – Don McLean
Dolly Parton was a once-in-a-generation artist and, just as importantly, someone of true generosity and decency. As a fellow native Tennessean, I’m humbled by what she did with her platform: putting books in the hands of millions of children through the Imagination Library, standing up for people being treated unfairly, and modeling real inclusion, including as a steady friend to the LGBTQ+ community well before that was easy to do. SAG-AFTRA and the entire creative community mourn her loss. – SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms. In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, “Honey, this trash sells records!” Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will. – Billy Ray Cyrus
Sad to hear of the passing of [Dolly Parton] today. The term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was. An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family. I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room. It’s always sad when one of our heroes passes away, but the beauty in music is that her art will live on forever. Rest easy Dolly and thank you for the contributions you made and the doors you kicked down for all of us that came after you. – Jason Aldean
Dolly was the songbook of many of our lives. I remember when she joined the Porter Waggoner Show. We were on those shows and shared the same dressing room. She was charming then, just as she was the last time I saw her. “When I Sing For Him” is one of my favorite songs she ever sang. We recorded “Coat Of Many Colors”, written by Dolly. When she wrote, “I Will Always Love You”, I believe that is one of the greatest songs ever written. When she called us to help open her new theater in Pigeon Forge, I was thrilled. One of the highlights of my career is to have THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, BOB HOPE, DOLLY PARTON, opening her new theater. Dolly, I could go on and on about you giving to children’s learning, but others will want to thank you. I will close with, “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU” – Duane Allen/The Oak Ridge Boys
SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Inducts Six More ‘Women Behind The Music’ [Recap]
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Paige Conners, Carla Wallace, Margie McGahey, Sherry Oakley and Debbie Carroll. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
SOURCE Nashville hosted the annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards last night (Aug. 25) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, gathering industry insiders, songwriters, artists, producers, family and friends for the beloved event.
Six more “women behind the music” were inducted into the prestigious hall: Debbie Cheek Carroll, Paige Conners, Cris Lacy, Sherry Oakley, Margie McGahey and Carla Wallace. The evening was hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio/TV personality Kelly Sutton.
After enjoying dinner, attendees were greeted by Sutton, who took a moment to honor Dolly Parton following the news of her death earlier in the day. “I know she has touched every person in this room in some way, whether through her music, you worked with her, produced her or were part of a project. Although we’re sad, her spirit is in this room. She lives on with each and every one of us.”
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for women in the music industry, dedicated to fostering relationships, education, networking and community service. The SOURCE Awards, created by Kay Smith in 2003, honor the “women behind the music” who have shaped Nashville’s music business.
Carroll was the first inductee to be honored. Her career has included time as a private practice therapist, MusiCares and Onsite Entertainment. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Belmont University Center for Mental Health in Entertainment.
She was honored with some words of praise from Michael McDonald. Carroll shared her gratitude for the people around her who showed her the meaning of integrity and determination, and the people who trusted her with some of their most challenging moments.
“Over the years, I’ve had experiences I never could’ve imagined,” Carroll shared. “Dinners with industry icons, conversations with people I never thought I’d meet, decades of Grammy Awards and MusiCares galas. Those moments were amazing, but they aren’t the ones that meant the most. The moments that I value the most, that changed me, were the ones where people trusted me during some of their most vulnerable times. It’s never been lost on me that there’s something incredibly sacred about being trusted by another human during a hard time. For decades, people in this industry have allowed me that privilege, and it’s been one of my greatest honors.”
Next to be honored was Conners. She impacted the Nashville music industry during her time CBS Records/Sony Music Nashville, Warner Bros. Records Nashville, Paul Worley Productions, Nashville Musicians Association and AFM Local 257.
She was honored with a video message from Paul Worley, who spoke of their long working relationship. Conners shared her appreciation for her family and colleagues who have championed her professional journey at home and in the office.
“I’m so blessed to have worked with so many talented producers and artists,” Conners said. “Their creativity and diversity not only taught me so much, but enriched my mind.”
Warner Records Nashville’s Lacy followed. Al Andrews congratulated her via video. Lacy spoke of her gratitude for the community that has surrounded her through the last few years during a challenging season.
“This award is really for all the friends and strangers who have borne witness to our accomplishments, but also borne witness to our grief,” Lacy shared. “These are the people that make it possible for us to continue to do the work that we love. This world’s kind of a mess right now. It requires the ability to act on and witness the motions that expand and deepen us, rather than those that weaken or diminish us, like ego, violence or scarcity. Every woman in this room innately holds and processes all of these energies on the daily basis. Everyone in this room is uniquely qualified to make a shift that needs to be made. Love and wisdom is power, and that is what the world needs most right now. Thank you all for making it possible for me to do what I love with people that I love.”
McGahey, who has spent time at WSM Radio/Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Association and 101.7 The WORM, was honored next with a video from Bill Anderson.
“[The women in SOURCE] work so hard,” McGahey said. “They are so smart and passionate about what they do. I’m thankful, and it’s a wonderful business we’re in Let’s just keep having fun.”
BMI’s Oakley was the next to be inducted. She began her career at just 17 years old. Patsy Bradley congratulated her via video.
“One of the first things [Frances Preston] taught me when I walked in the door was to treat every songwriter that comes in this door as if they have the next No. 1 hit,” Oakley said. “I want to thank the songwriters, because they gave me a good life.”
Wallace was the final honoree to be inducted. She founded Big Yellow Dog Music in 1998 with Kerry O’Neil. Meghan Trainor congratulated her via video message. Wallace first discovered Trainor at a song camp in Colorado in 2009 and signed her to a publishing deal.
“I’ve been drawn to people who are unique, different and stubbornly themselves,” Wallace said. “That became my life – helping the world catch up to their individuality. To all the girls out there, especially my daughter Ella, find your passion, even if people don’t see the value. Push through and be stubbornly different.”
Garth Brooks Announces Orlando Shows For The ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks has announced Orlando will be the fifth stop on his “Blame It All On My Roots Tour” on Sept. 25-26.
Brooks will perform at the Kia Center, and general on sale begins Sept. 2 here. With both end-stage and in-the-round seating, every seat in the house is one price.
The tour’s opening weekend performances at Gainbridge Fieldhouse reached a fever pitch when Brooks took the stage. Towering LED screens, known as “the halo,” encircled the 360-degree stage, creating an immersive experience that made every seat in the arena feel like the best seat in the house. Performing in the round, Brooks kept fans on their feet through the final song, as the sold-out crowd sang along to a career-spanning set of fan favorites and iconic hits. Fans of every age filled the room and shared in the excitement of seeing Brooks live again.
Headlined by the comeback of his iconic Drum Pod that changed live music, the “Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour” is a full-scale return to the venues that made Brooks a legend. Next stop on the epic tour are four shows in Denver Sept. 4-6.
Announced “Blame It All On My Roots” Arena Tour Dates:
Friday, September 4 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Saturday, September 5 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sunday, September 6 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (matinee show)
Sunday, September 6 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (evening show)
Thursday, September 10 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Friday, September 11 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Saturday, September 12 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Sunday, September 13 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena (matinee show)
Friday, September 18 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
Saturday, September 19 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
Friday, September 25 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center [JUST ANNOUNCED]
Saturday, September 26 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center [JUST ANNOUNCED]
SiriusXM Honors Dolly With Dolly Parton Tribute Channel
/by Lorie HollabaughAvailable now in cars on channel 105 and on the SiriusXM app, the channel celebrates the life, music and legacy of the Queen of Country and pop-culture icon who made an indelible mark on the world. Fans and listeners can hear tracks from Dolly’s iconic catalog, including enduring classics “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” plus music from her friends, collaborators and memories from her decades-long career.
Special tribute programming will celebrate her remarkable career and air across various SiriusXM channels over the following days, including The Highway, Y2Kountry, Willie’s Roadhouse, Outlaw Country, Bluegrass Junction and more.