Dolly Parton’s Team Shares Update On Projects In The Pipeline

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Dolly 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

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Sara 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

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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

SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Inducts Six More ‘Women Behind The Music’ [Recap]

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Pictured (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’

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Garth 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

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SiriusXM is joining in to honor Dolly’s incredible life and legacy with the new Dolly Parton Tribute Channel.

Available 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.

Industry Ink: Roy Clark, Diffie Classic Foundation, StowTown Records, Skeez

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The Church Studio Becomes Permanent Home Of The Roy Clark Archive

Roy Clark

The Church Studio, the historic Tulsa recording studio and music museum, has become the permanent home of the Roy Clark archive. Carefully preserved by Roy’s wife Barbara Clark and her team, the Roy Clark Archive will now have its first permanent institutional home in Tulsa, the city Roy and Barbara called home. The archive includes photos, awards, concert posters, personal and professional papers, stage wardrobe, memorabilia and an extensive array of stringed instruments reflecting the breadth of Clark’s musicianship and life.

“Roy loved music, but just as much, he loved being around other musicians. He was happiest when he was playing, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of people who loved music as much as he did,” says Barbara. “That is what feels so right about The Church Studio. It is a place where music is still being made every day. Our family wanted Roy’s collection to remain together, to be cared for with love and to be shared with people who truly understand what music meant to him. I believe Roy would be very happy knowing that his instruments, memories and life’s work will have a permanent home there, surrounded by musicians and music.”

 

New Diffie Classic Foundation Announces Board Members

The Diffie Classic Foundation has formed and announced board member appointments and updates on the 2nd Annual Diffie Classic Golf Tournament and Concert. Joe Diffie’s sons, Parker Diffie and Travis Humes, will be joined on the board by Craig Campbell of Campbell Entertainment Group, Travis Hare of PNC Bank, Chris Lazere of Carter Lumber, Josh Petersen of Music City Management, and Ricky Sessum of Music City Turf, with each member set to serve a three-year term.

The 2nd Annual Diffie Classic Golf Tournament is set for Sept. 21 at 12 Stones Crossing Golf Club in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. The “A Night To Remember Joe Diffie” concert, headlined by Mark Wills and John Berry, will be held at The Nashville Palace on Sept. 22.

 

StowTown Records Signs With Syntax Creative

Pictured (L-R): Timothy Trudeau, Landon Beene, Erin Moorman, Mary Alice Lovelace, Brandon Musser, Brooke Bell, Tremon Matlock

StowTown Records has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement with Syntax Creative. The partnership brings StowTown’s catalog and artist roster, including The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, TaRanda Greene, Charles Billingsley and The Erwins, into the Syntax distribution system. The agreement also brings the entire discography of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir under one label and one distribution partner for the first time. The seven-time Grammy-winning group has recorded for decades, and its catalog will now be distributed through Syntax Creative across digital platforms worldwide.

 

Skeez Inks With Nashville-Based Label Orinda

Skeez performs at Orinda’s June 2026 launch party during CMA Fest

Omaha-born vocalist and songwriter Skeez has signed with Orinda, GoDigital Music’s Nashville-based country imprint. The announcement comes alongside news of Skeez’s new single, “Cannonball,” arriving Sept. 4, marking his Orinda debut.

Skeez has developed a sound rooted in country songwriting and brought to life by his dynamic vocal style and larger-than-life personality. His career has taken him from the studio to major stages, including a 2022 run as direct support for Mike on the “Not My First Rodeo Tour,” followed by their collaboration “why not us?” In 2024, he joined Dustin Lynch’s “Killed the Cowboy Tour,” further establishing himself within the country community.

Dollywood Foundation Honors Dolly Parton’s Life & Legacy

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

In the wake of its founder Dolly Parton‘s passing yesterday, The Dollywood Foundation issued a statement honoring the icon.

“Dolly often said that she had been blessed far beyond anything she ever dreamed possible, and she believed deeply that those blessings came with a responsibility to give something back,” says Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation. “That belief is woven into everything we do at The Dollywood Foundation. While we are heartbroken by her loss, the mission she gave us is as clear today as it has ever been, and we will carry it forward for generations to come.”

The Dollywood Foundation has prepared carefully for the future and remains honored to carry on the mission Dolly entrusted to it. The Foundation is strong, and the values Dolly instilled in it will continue to guide its work and growth in the years ahead. Parton’s Imagination Library, which launched in 1995 and was inspired by her father and his inability to read and write, started by giving young children in her home county books of their very own. What began in the mountains of East Tennessee grew far beyond anything Dolly could have imagined, and today, the Library reaches millions of children and families, delivering books directly to children’s homes at no cost and creating opportunities for parents and children to experience the joy of reading together.

“Dolly’s legacy was never meant to be something we simply preserve or look back upon,” adds Conyers. “She built things that could keep doing good in the world. Our responsibility now is to care for what she entrusted to us, help it grow thoughtfully and make certain the love at the heart of her work continues reaching children, families and communities long into the future.”

An important part of that legacy will continue quietly, every day, in homes and communities around the world; when a child opens a book addressed especially to them; when a parent and child read a favorite story together; and when a young person begins to imagine a future bigger than the circumstances into which they were born.

The Foundation believes one of the greatest ways to honor Dolly is not simply to remember what she accomplished, but to continue the work she loved—carrying it forward with the same generosity, humility, joy and love with which she began it.

Grand Ole Opry To Dedicate Saturday’s Show To Dolly

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The Grand Ole Opry will honor Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry Member Dolly Parton by dedicating Saturday night’s show to her, honoring her remarkable life, legacy and contributions to country music.

Carly Pearce is among the artists scheduled to appear on the show and has a special connection with Parton, as Pearce began her career at Dollywood, and Parton surprised her with an invitation to become an official Opry member in 2021. The Opry’s marquee is set to honor Parton through Saturday evening, and the show can be heard on the Opry’s flagship station, WSM-AM, as well as wsmonline.com, opry.com, and SiriusXM channel 58.

“Dolly Parton was perhaps the most loved and admired artist from her home state of Tennessee,” says Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “She was also an extraordinary member of the Grand Ole Opry, and her music and sense of humor will live on for generations to come. We are so blessed to have been a part of her incredible career. ”

“Every member of the Grand Ole Opry family has a Dolly story, as does everyone around the world who was ever in her orbit,” adds Dan Rogers, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “That’s just one of the things that made her so special. For more than 50 years as an Opry member, she used her talent and success to bring sheer joy to millions. To every artist, she provided inspiration beyond measure. To every fan, she connected in a way that made each of us feel like the most important person in the room. Her impact will live on forever as we all carry forward the kindness, compassion and generosity she shared throughout her life. Dolly always knew exactly what to say. I’m afraid the best I have on this terribly sad day is a genuine, heartfelt, ‘Thank you for everything, Dolly. We sure do love you.’”

Last night’s Opry show also paid tribute to Parton, opening with Opry member Rhonda Vincent noting, “This is for Dolly,” before performing Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.” Vincent later returned to the stage to offer up Parton’s “9 to 5” and “Jolene” as well in honor of the icon. Additional tributes included Morgan Myles’ performance of Parton’s 1973 classic “I Will Always Love You.”

Luminate Introduces Global Framework To Track & Measure AI-Generated Music

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Luminate has introduced a new framework to help the music industry identify and track AI-generated music. Powered by its proprietary technology, Luminate’s CONNECT platform can now flag AI-generated songs and artists worldwide. The feature will roll out to customers and partners later this year.

Luminate is also working with major DSPs and AI music companies to bring self-reported streaming and attribution data directly into CONNECT.

The new system will serve as a central resource for AI music data, giving artists, labels, publishers, managers and brand partners more visibility into how AI-generated music is created, distributed and consumed.

“The rapid growth of AI-generated music has outpaced the industry’s ability to consistently identify it and measure its impact,” says Luminate CEO Rob Jonas. “Greater visibility is critical to understanding broader trends, assessing the risk of fraud and making informed decisions. Luminate has always been the entertainment business’s source of truth, and tracking AI-generated music with the same rigor we apply to every other category is core to our mission.”

Luminate’s approach combines data from DSPs, AI music companies and its own identification technology. Together, the sources are designed to provide a clearer view of AI-generated music and how it moves through the global music ecosystem.

The system works in three ways:

1. Proprietary Identification: Luminate’s technology analyzes streaming data, metadata and audio to identify AI-generated music in CONNECT.
2. Streaming Data: As DSPs develop their own AI identification tools, Luminate will bring that data into CONNECT through its existing partnerships.
3. Source Attribution: Luminate is working with AI music companies to receive attribution data directly as AI-generated content is created, before it reaches DSPs.

Content identified as AI-generated will receive a new “AI Generated” label on songs and artist profiles in CONNECT. Luminate will also offer a review process for artists and labels to challenge incorrect labels.

“This is a starting point,” continues Jonas. “No single organization can address this challenge alone; the industry needs a collaborative approach to more accurately understand, track and measure AI-generated music. We invite DSPs and AI music companies that share this view to join us in advancing it together.”