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Dolly Parton has died at 80

Parton's family confirmed the news in a video message Tuesday.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/07/dolly-parton-broadway-musical-tickets" data-vars-content-id="a2960197-49b5-44e8-88c9-73627e569059" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton has died at 80" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/07/dolly-parton-broadway-musical-tickets" target="_self">Dolly Parton</a>, the incomparable icon whose heavenly voice, stellar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="songwriting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/16/dolly-parton-s-new-song-supports-nashville-children-s-hospital" data-vars-content-id="a2960197-49b5-44e8-88c9-73627e569059" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton has died at 80" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/16/dolly-parton-s-new-song-supports-nashville-children-s-hospital" target="_self">songwriting</a>, sparkling style and life-changing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="philanthropy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/14/dolly-parton-partners-with-the-nashville-library" data-vars-content-id="a2960197-49b5-44e8-88c9-73627e569059" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton has died at 80" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/14/dolly-parton-partners-with-the-nashville-library" target="_self">philanthropy</a> lifted her out of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and made her one of the most recognizable people in the world, has died at 80 years old.<ul><li>Her family confirmed the news in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video message Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/DollyParton/status/2092309743981228273?s=20" data-vars-content-id="a2960197-49b5-44e8-88c9-73627e569059" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton has died at 80" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/DollyParton/status/2092309743981228273?s=20" target="_blank">video message Tuesday</a>.</li></ul>

Ticketing fees and resale upcharges cost fans $11.3 billion, Vanderbilt finds

The new research offers model legislation on ticket reselling.

Ticket market middlemen added a cumulative $11.3 billion in unnecessary costs for fans going to live events last year, according to new research from the Vanderbilt Policy AcceleratorWhy it matters: Federal and state lawmakers have struggled to regulate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the ticketing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/blackburn-live-nation-ticket-bots-hearing" data-vars-content-id="74f1de4f-1047-4993-9931-891e1f567f51" data-vars-headline="Ticketing fees and resale upcharges cost fans $11.3 billion, Vanderbilt finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/blackburn-live-nation-ticket-bots-hearing" target="_self">the ticketing market</a> — and save fans money. The new research includes model legislation that could provide a roadmap.

Tennessee will get $751.9 million from Meta settlement

This is social media's version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement.

Tennessee will get $751.9 million from Meta as part of a deal settling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a multi-state legal challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/25/tennessee-sues-meta" data-vars-content-id="9db8d164-28a0-4a7e-9479-86bb309d3b51" data-vars-headline="Tennessee will get $751.9 million from Meta settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/25/tennessee-sues-meta" target="_self">a multi-state legal challenge</a> alleging Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children.Why it matters: This is social media&#x27;s version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement, a settlement that effectively reshapes the industry and the way young Americans experience some of their favorite platforms.<ul><li>The full settlement deal will reach up to $16.7 billion. The Tennessee attorney general&#x27;s office <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/news/2026/8/26/pr26-33.html" data-vars-content-id="9db8d164-28a0-4a7e-9479-86bb309d3b51" data-vars-headline="Tennessee will get $751.9 million from Meta settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/news/2026/8/26/pr26-33.html" target="_blank">said</a> this state&#x27;s portion &quot;will go directly to protecting and restoring the mental health and safety of Tennessee children via Tennessee&#x27;s new Children&#x27;s Digital Protection Fund.&quot;</li></ul>

Dolly Parton left plans for decades of posthumous releases, team says

Parton "placed her personal stamp" on several projects that are still in the works.

Before she <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died this week in Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="c5a74682-0a15-4316-93f9-94048088ea42" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton left plans for decades of posthumous releases, team says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">died this week in Nashville</a>, Dolly Parton worked with her team on a &quot;project roadmap&quot; that will guide the posthumous release of new music and merch for years into the future.Why it matters: The ever-productive Parton planned in advance to extend her legacy. Management told fans Wednesday that &quot;she placed her personal stamp&quot; on several projects that are in the works.

Nashville rumored to be possible destination for Paramount relocation

Hollywood trade publications list Nashville as a possible destination if Paramount leaves California.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paramount" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/paramount-skydance-states-wga-bond" data-vars-content-id="594ae8fe-8500-4cf5-b4de-2049ed9ac738" data-vars-headline="Nashville rumored to be possible destination for Paramount relocation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/paramount-skydance-states-wga-bond" target="_self">Paramount</a> could pack up and move its legendary film and television business to Nashville, according to rumors that at first seemed absurd, but are actually plausible according to political insiders.Why it matters: The relocation of some or all of Paramount&#x27;s business offers a rare economic development opportunity for Nashville by leveling up the city&#x27;s already-booming entertainment industry and attracting thousands of jobs.

Nashville mayor pitches plan to help small businesses

Mayor O'Connell offered a three-pronged plan to help Nashville small businesses.

Nashville&#x27;s government would provide tax dollars to long-running mom-and-pops under Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s new plan to help small businesses.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a difficult stretch for Nashville small businesses as they face unprecedented economic challenges and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring property taxes downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/12/tennessee-leaders-ponder-special-session-to-address-honky-tonk-owners-tax-concerns" data-vars-content-id="80392625-27eb-453b-8a8b-28bd42bd330a" data-vars-headline="Nashville mayor pitches plan to help small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/12/tennessee-leaders-ponder-special-session-to-address-honky-tonk-owners-tax-concerns" target="_self">soaring property taxes downtown</a>.

Tennessee leaders ponder special session to address honky-tonk owners' tax concerns

"The lights are going out on Broadway," country star John Rich warned.

Politics

Top state Republicans are considering a special legislative session to address rising property taxes amid outcry from downtown Nashville honky-tonk owners.Why it matters: Hospitality businesses in Nashville say they have been pushed to the brink and need the state government&#x27;s help.

DC Blox sues over Metro's data center moratorium

DC Blox sues Metro to nullify the city's moratorium on data centers.

DC Blox sued Metro in federal court on Tuesday seeking to strike down the city&#x27;s moratorium on data centers.Why it matters: DC Blox argues the city hastily imposed the moratorium after news of the firm&#x27;s planned data center near the Nashville Zoo came to light.<ul><li>The moratorium violates the company&#x27;s constitutional &quot;equal-protection rights,&quot; according to the lawsuit.</li></ul>

Nashville's Main Street Health ranked fastest-growing private company in U.S.

Main Street Health is ranked fastest-growing company in U.S. thanks to creative approach to rural health.

Nashville is home to the fastest-growing private company in the country, according to a new ranking out from Inc. Magazine.Why it matters: Main Street Health&#x27;s staggering success in a short period of time underscores Nashville&#x27;s status as a health care and entrepreneurism hub.

Nashville hospital chains document Obamacare subsidy fallout

Nashville's health care industry offers a clear window into how the shift in ACA policy is playing out.

Expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies have had an even bigger impact on hospitals than executives initially expected.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting" data-vars-content-id="fa3e8b90-501d-48e4-8100-c40f0e63a5eb" data-vars-headline="Nashville hospital chains document Obamacare subsidy fallout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting" target="_self">expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies</a> at the end of 2025 didn&#x27;t eliminate patients&#x27; need for care. But new reports from Nashville-area hospital giants show it is changing how they seek it.

CMA Fest switches to SeatGeek for ticket sales

Fans will need a SeatGeek account to buy CMA Fest tickets.

CMA Fest is switching to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SeatGeek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/media-deals/2023/04/20/seatgeek-ipo" data-vars-content-id="1225ef97-3660-4591-8a29-502f196ef121" data-vars-headline="CMA Fest switches to SeatGeek for ticket sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/media-deals/2023/04/20/seatgeek-ipo" target="_self">SeatGeek</a> as a ticketing partner under a new multi-year deal that will change how fans buy tickets to the country music festival.Why it matters: The move is a blow to the festival&#x27;s previous ticketing partner Ticketmaster and expands SeatGeek&#x27;s Nashville presence.

DC Blox Nashville data center facing delay after council vote

Metro Council has approved strict data center regulations and a temporary moratorium on all new centers.

Metro Council on Tuesday approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strict new regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/01/what-to-know-about-nashvilles-data-center-debate" data-vars-content-id="43fba2e2-d881-4a23-82f9-df9f952e0e04" data-vars-headline="DC Blox Nashville data center facing delay after council vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/01/what-to-know-about-nashvilles-data-center-debate" target="_self">strict new regulations</a> for data centers in Nashville, but a top city zoning official says they don&#x27;t apply to a controversial project planned near the Nashville Zoo.<ul><li>The city also paused approving any new data centers until Dec. 1.</li></ul>Why it matters: DC Blox appears to have the legal footing to move forward with its controversial plans for a medium-sized, 10-megawatt data center, though the moratorium will apparently delay construction for several months.

Inside Nashville's convention for conventions

Music City Center played host to a vital convention for Nashville's future tourism business.

It didn&#x27;t come with the glitz and glamor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nashville-picked-to-host-super-bowl-in-2030" data-vars-content-id="d0636bb6-f356-49b0-be9f-2de485825b3b" data-vars-headline="Inside Nashville&#x27;s convention for conventions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nashville-picked-to-host-super-bowl-in-2030" target="_self">a Super Bowl</a>, but earlier this week Nashville hosted a convention that&#x27;s vital to the future of the city&#x27;s tourism business.Why it matters: The Cvent Connect is a convention for convention and meeting planners, giving our hospitality industry a chance to sell key decision makers on bringing their bookings to Nashville.<ul><li>Winning over a key event planner can result in massive future convention business, which means hotel room bookings and big dollars spent at restaurants and music venues.</li></ul>

Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking

CNBC's rankings highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the country, according to CNBC, which gave the Volunteer State an F for quality of life in its annual ranking of the best states for businesses.Why it matters: State leaders often pride themselves on making Tennessee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="as business-friendly as possible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" target="_self">as business-friendly as possible</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings</a> highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Business 🏦

Nashville rumored to be possible destination for Paramount relocation

Nashville mayor pitches plan to help small businesses

Tennessee leaders ponder special session to address honky-tonk owners' tax concerns

DC Blox sues over Metro's data center moratorium

Nashville's Main Street Health ranked fastest-growing private company in U.S.