Jennifer Nettles and Idina Menzel

Last night’s (Nov. 28) CMA Country Christmas television special attracted viewership that is 34 percent higher than its year-ago telecast. The program, hosted by Jennifer Nettles, averaged 7.8 million viewers and a 1.3 rating /4 share among adults ages 18 to 39.

From 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET, ABC’s annual telecast earned second place among the major broadcasters, behind NBC’s The Voice.

Last year’s airing of CMA Country Christmas averaged 5.8 million viewers and 0.9 rating/3 share.

The 2016 two-hour musical special featured Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Sarah McLachlan, Kacey Musgraves, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Smith, and more performing yuletide classics. Taped earlier this month at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, the show also featured one-of-a-kind collaborations, including Kelsea Ballerini with Joey Alexander, Brad Paisley with Chris Young, and Nettles taking the stage each with Andra Day, Loretta Lynn, Idina Menzel, and Trisha Yearwood.

Source: The Nielsen Company Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings, 11/28/16. Photos: ABC/Mark Levine

Chris Young

Jennifer Nettles and Trisha Yearwood

Brett Eldredge

Loretta Lynn through the years. Compiled by Songcraft.

An upcoming Nashville theatrical production focuses on the life of country icon Loretta Lynn. Additionally, the revered singer is featured in a just-released podcast.

Studio Tenn presents “The Loretta Legacy: A Tribute to the Coal Miner’s Daughter” on March 31 and April 1 at the Ryman Auditorium. The shows are part of the 2016/17 season.

Single ticket sales for the remaining season will be available for purchase Dec. 2. Tickets for “The Loretta Legacy” can be purchased at ryman.com or by calling (615) 889-3060. Details at studiotenn.com.

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Grammy-nominated writer and researcher Scott B. Bomar and ASCAP award winning songwriter Paul Duncan have released the 50th episode of their bi-weekly podcast, Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters, featuring an in-depth conversation with Lynn.

The conversation includes Lynn discussing why we’ll never hear all the verses she wrote for “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” what she told Jack White about songwriting that he didn’t “get,” what she really thinks about Willie Nelson, how she reacted when her songs stirred up controversy, and why she doesn’t give career advice.

The George Jones Entertainment Complex and Museum, located at 128 Second Avenue North, has been acquired by Nashville-based investor group, Possum Holdings, LLC.

The group purchased the building and operating businesses as well as the George Jones Museum memorabilia and a Master License to the George Jones name, image and likeness. They have partnered with Good Time Design CEO Ty Hauter. Hauter and his team will manage operations for the restaurant, bar, event space and museum.

Possum Holdings principals are comprised of investors committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of George Jones, including principal Paul Jankowski. Jankowski is president of New Heartland Group, which focuses on research and insights, brand strategy, content creation, digital marketing and more.

“George Jones is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. Not only did the real estate intrigue us, but expanding the Jones legacy fueled our interest in building a world class brand,” said Jankowski. “We will offer an authentic Nashville experience, focusing on live music and quality food for tourists and locals alike.”

At four stories, the recently renovated 46,000 square-foot space consists of a restaurant/bar, the George Jones museum, an event space and rooftop bar.

“I poured my heart and soul into building a premier destination for George’s fans in a way that he would have loved,” said George Jones’ wife Nancy. “I look forward to continuing to meet George’s fans and am so thankful for all the people who have visited the museum over the last year and a half.”

Work on the new Virgin Hotels Nashville, slated to be built in the Music Row area at the corner of Division Street and 17th Ave. S., will begin in April 2017, according to an update from Virgin Hotels. The Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS Construction have signed on to develop the property, which is planned to open in Summer 2019.

Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels, commented, “Virgin Hotels is growing at an exciting yet strategic rate, and as we continue expanding it’s crucial we align ourselves with partners that truly understand our vision. The team at Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS are a prime example of that, and we’re thrilled to bring this hotel to life with them as our partners.”

The new build hotel will feature 260 chambers, multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop lounge with an infinity pool, gym, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Nashville joins upcoming Virgin Hotels developments in Dallas, Palm Springs, New York, Silicon Valley and more, with a hotel currently open in Chicago.