Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has partnered with Community Coffee to launch a new signature coffee brand, Cup of Ambition, inspired by her beloved anthem “9 to 5.”

Available in Light, Medium, and Dark roasts, Dolly worked with the Saurage family, Community Coffee’s founding family now in its sixth generation, to curate the initial offerings. Dolly’s Cup of Ambition will make its public debut at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, which opens June 24 off Exit 22 on I-65 south of Nashville. Guests can be among the first to taste the new blends at the coffee shop and throughout the stop. Later this year, Cup of Ambition will also be available nationwide in ground and K-Cup offerings, in partnership with Community Coffee.

“I’ve spent a lifetime workin’ 9 to 5, 5 to 9, and every hour in between! It takes a lot of energy to pursue your passion and navigate each day,” says Dolly. “That’s why I wanted to make a coffee that works just as hard. You know, I begin each morning with a head full of dreams, a notepad full of ideas, and a cup or two of coffee. Whether you’re chasing dreams, tackling that to-do list, or just enjoying a quiet morning at home, I hope it brings a smile with every sip.”

“Dolly embodies the same values Community Coffee was built on: hard work, warmth, and genuine connection. This partnership felt right from the very first conversation, and Cup of Ambition is something our family is truly proud and honored to put our name behind,” adds Donna Saurage, third generation owner of Community Coffee.

To support the launch and national expansion of the brand, Chip Johnson has been appointed as Sales Director for Dolly’s Cup of Ambition. A seasoned sales executive with more than 30 years of experience across grocery, mass market, and alternate retail channels, Johnson has worked with brands including The Campbell’s Company, Ty Inc., Keurig, among many others. He’ll lead efforts to launch Dolly’s Cup of Ambition into retail travel stops, grocery and mass market stores, and coffee shops nationwide.

Cassie Petty.

Cassie Petty has been elevated to Vice President of TKO Artist Management.

“In an industry where loyalty can be fleeting, Cassie Petty has been an integral part of this operation for over 20 years. Artists trust her; she leads the team with poise and dignity, and she always gets the job done. We are lucky to have her,” shares TK Kimbrell, Founder and President of TKO Artist Management.

Petty joined TKO in 2002, working with clients including Toby Keith, Clay Walker, The Bacon Brothers, Jamey Johnson, Jackson Dean and more. A graduate of Belmont University with a degree in music business, she began her career with the artist management firm straight out of college as a receptionist, eventually becoming an executive assistant to TK Kimbrell. In 2010, Petty was elevated to general manager.

Petty is a member of The Recording Academy, Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and SOURCE Nashville. She is an alumna of the Women’s Music Business Association and SOLID Nashville, a GRAMMY U mentor and has served on the Associate Board with the Nashville Symphony.

Danny Bess, Rachel Brown & Troy Scott

HEY NOW Records has added three new team members.

Danny Bess has joined as SVP Finance & Operations. Bess joins the label from his firm, DFB Consulting, where he advised several companies. He brings extensive music industry experience, having served as CFO of Warner Music Nashville for seven years and Vice President of Finance at Universal Music Group Nashville for 25 years. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with an MBA from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, Bess began his career at RCA Records/BMG.

Rachel Brown has joined as Manager of Operations. Brown brings experience in project management, marketing and merchandising. She previously worked at Aroluxe Marketing, where she led cross-functional campaigns for a range of clients. Brown earned her MBA from Pepperdine University and developed her expertise in the fashion industry, supporting product strategy and merchandising efforts for Kendra Scott. She will use her background in business strategy and brand development to help drive the label’s growth.

Troy Scott joins as Vice President of Commerce & Consumer Products. Scott brings more than 25 years of experience across record labels, radio and digital media. He began his career managing operations and marketing campaigns for BMG artists in the Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston markets before joining Universal Music Group in New York as Sales Account Director, where he led major brand partnerships for a range of artists. He later moved into radio as Sales Manager at Alpha Media in Richmond, Virginia, overseeing more than 300 local and national accounts. In 2014, Scott joined Universal Music Group Nashville as Director of Commercial Development and eventually advanced to Senior Director of E-Commerce & Retail. In that role, he led direct-to-consumer strategies and campaigns that drove significant growth in fan engagement for many of country music’s top artists including Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Reba, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town.

“As the label expands its reach, it’s critical to have systems in place to support the work being done by the various teams,” says President and Co-Founder Kris Lamb. “To be able to engage executive talent that includes Danny Bess and Rachel Brown on the business side, and Troy Scott for commerce and consumer products, we’re going to be able to move twice as fast, knowing our needs will be supported by a strong foundation.”

1916 Enterprises has acquired a new office and studio property at 648 West Iris Drive in Nashville as part of its continued expansion.

The entertainment company spanning artist management, publishing, records, technology, film & television and strategic investments is expanding following a period of significant growth for 1916’s music division, including the launch and rapid expansion of its management business, continued growth across its publishing operations, and an increasing presence in the country music space.

Recent successes include producer James Maddocks’ contributions to Morgan Wallen’s Platinum hit “Superman” and album I’m The Problem, alongside additional work with Post Malone, Marshmello and Thomas Rhett. Producer and songwriter Jack Riley has also continued his breakout run with contributions on projects from Cameron Whitcomb, Jenna Raine and Ike Dweck.

The company also recently expanded its publishing roster with the joint signing of Nashville-based producer David Kerchkoff with Grammy-winning songwriter Nija Charles’ Anomaly Music. 1916 also recently welcomed the addition of established Nashville-based producers Nick Bailey and Kevin Bard, an ASCAP award-winner and No. 1 country songwriter, to its management roster in partnership with longtime 1916 collaborators Ozone Entertainment. 

“Nashville is already such an important part of our business, and we’re excited to continue growing our footprint there,” says Jonathan Gordon, Founder and CEO of 1916 Enterprises. “We have a strong roster across management, publishing and label, incredible creative partners in the city and see so much opportunity to continue building in and around Nashville. This new office and studio gives us a place to collaborate, host creatives and continue investing in the city’s music community.”

The Buckeye Country Superfest returns to Columbus, Ohio this weekend on June 13 at Ohio Stadium.

Tyler Childers will headline the event with additional performances from The Red Clay Strays, Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts.

The annual Tailgate Fanfest, also on June 13, will feature Noah Rinker, Willi Carlisle, Annie Bosko and William Matheny. Tailgate Fanfest is free to attend and takes place across from Ohio Stadium before the annual main event.

Buckeye Country Superfest is also hosting two previously announced Special Friday Night events on June 12. Sierra Ferrell kicks off the jam-packed weekend at The Bluestone with a sold-out show that also features special guest The Brudi Brothers, while singer-songwriter Evan Honer headlines the pre-party at Newport Music Hall with special guest Leon Majcen. 

The 2025 event drew fans from all 50 states, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Germany, and France and generated over $20 million in economic impact to central Ohio.

Limited tickets are available here.