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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>

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.

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.

Five essential Dolly Parton albums

Dolly Parton's streaming numbers exploded following her death.

Music

As the world continues to mourn the ever-iconic Dolly Parton, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died 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="63815eed-7dd8-41af-b8c1-bc94822581e5" data-vars-headline="Five essential Dolly Parton albums" 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 in Nashville</a> this week, fans are turning to her music for comfort.By the numbers: Her streaming numbers exploded following her death, with Spotify <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reporting" data-vars-click-url="https://variety.com/2026/music/news/dolly-parton-streams-surge-on-spotify-jolene-9-to-5-1236844445/" data-vars-content-id="63815eed-7dd8-41af-b8c1-bc94822581e5" data-vars-headline="Five essential Dolly Parton albums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://variety.com/2026/music/news/dolly-parton-streams-surge-on-spotify-jolene-9-to-5-1236844445/" target="_blank">reporting</a> listener activity jumped by 1,260% globally and 2,320% in the United States compared to the week before.<ul><li>Her top songs in the days following her death were &quot;Jolene,&quot; with 1.29 million streams and &quot;9 to 5&quot; received 1.13 million streams.</li></ul>

Taylor Swift says she cherishes her Nashville songwriting roots

At 10 years old, Taylor Swift started plotting her path to superstardom, and the first item on the to-do list was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bluebird Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/05/03/bluebird-cafe-hosting-eras-themed-taylor-swift-party" data-vars-content-id="2dd65297-8284-41df-9b9c-3713f04dfd02" data-vars-headline="Taylor Swift says she cherishes her Nashville songwriting roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/05/03/bluebird-cafe-hosting-eras-themed-taylor-swift-party" target="_self">The Bluebird Cafe</a>.The latest: During a lengthy conversation about her songwriting career this week with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr., Swift remembered learning that Faith Hill got discovered by a record company executive while she was singing backup at The Bluebird.

Bonnaroo will take "a year off," 2027 festival is canceled

The Farm "needs time to rest and recover" following years of heavy rain.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/27/bonnaroo-turns-to-fans-to-help-decide-festivals-future" data-vars-content-id="716edae7-6f4c-4e55-a938-3dbc1cd78b47" data-vars-headline="Bonnaroo will take &quot;a year off,&quot; 2027 festival is canceled" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/27/bonnaroo-turns-to-fans-to-help-decide-festivals-future" target="_self">Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival</a> will take a &quot;year off&quot; and will not take place in 2027, organizers announced Friday.Why it matters: The cancellation raises renewed questions about Bonnaroo&#x27;s future after a rocky few years.

Taylor Swift joining Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its latest class Tuesday.

It was only a matter of time.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/22/from-music-row-to-hall-of-fame-swift-shines" data-vars-content-id="7182fef1-731f-4c57-93d9-751c5f61ddf8" data-vars-headline="Taylor Swift joining Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/22/from-music-row-to-hall-of-fame-swift-shines" target="_self">Taylor Swift,</a> one of the most acclaimed artists to emerge from Music Row, will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.</li></ul>

The 5 Spot expresses understanding for vandal who damaged Dolly Parton mural

The 5 Spot expressed understanding after mural vandal comes forward.

What began as uproar surrounding the vandalism of a Dolly Parton mural in East Nashville ended with a call for understanding.Driving the news: Security camera footage captured a man throwing black paint on the Dolly mural on the side of the bar and music venue The 5 Spot. The vandal also defaced a mural of legendary East Nashville artist Todd Snider.

Belmont acquires Johnny Cash's archives, including handwritten notes

Belmont plans to make the collection available online.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnny Cash&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/19/johnny-cash-tour-bus-ryman" data-vars-content-id="a57398c5-9817-4471-a67f-4ce4cd830161" data-vars-headline="Belmont acquires Johnny Cash&#x27;s archives, including handwritten notes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/19/johnny-cash-tour-bus-ryman" target="_self">Johnny Cash&#x27;s</a> handwritten song lyrics, letters to other artists and personal musings will soon be available for fans to peruse thanks to his family&#x27;s new partnership with Belmont University.Why it matters: Cash&#x27;s personal archives offer a unique understanding of one of the pillars of American popular music. Belmont recently acquired the trove and plans to make the collection available online.

Nashville's video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27

Nashville has quietly become a hub for video game soundtracks.

Video game lovers across the nation will get a taste of Music City on Thursday when the latest edition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EA Sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/ea-games-release-saudi-arabia-stock-buyout" data-vars-content-id="5b57ad77-5102-47ed-96a5-fad048bd1a33" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/ea-games-release-saudi-arabia-stock-buyout" target="_self">EA Sports</a> College Football drops.Why it matters: More than 100 Nashville musicians came together to create the soundtrack for EA Sports College Football 27, which includes college fight songs and marching band-style arrangements of pop hits.<ul><li>The project is one of several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video game projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/21/vanderbilt-composing-music-video-games" data-vars-content-id="5b57ad77-5102-47ed-96a5-fad048bd1a33" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/21/vanderbilt-composing-music-video-games" target="_self">video game projects</a> expanding the definition of Music City.</li></ul>

Country Music Association taps new CEO

Brittany Schaffer will replace outgoing CEO Sarah Trahern.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Music Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/15/country-music-association-cma-sarah-trahern-retire" data-vars-content-id="fa413a43-a64c-44bb-bf59-69ab495ad1fc" data-vars-headline="Country Music Association taps new CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/15/country-music-association-cma-sarah-trahern-retire" target="_self">Country Music Association</a> announced Wednesday that it has selected Belmont University official Brittany Schaffer to serve as its next CEO.Why it matters: The CMA is one of the most powerful institutions on Music Row. The organization&#x27;s leaders oversee Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, the CMA Awards and CMA Fest.

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

Things to Do

Dolly Parton&#x27;s autobiographical musical finally set its Broadway opening date after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years of behind-the-scenes tinkering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/07/dolly-partons-musical-is-heading-to-broadway" data-vars-content-id="178c5fab-e348-4959-be36-9e94ff21a565" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/07/dolly-partons-musical-is-heading-to-broadway" target="_self">years of behind-the-scenes tinkering</a>.🎭 State of play: &quot;Dolly: A True Original Musical&quot; will arrive in New York City on Dec. 7. The production will begin with a few weeks of preview performances, when creatives test out new musicals and make tweaks.<ul><li>The official opening night, when the finalized show will be unveiled, is Jan. 19, Parton&#x27;s 81st birthday.</li></ul>

How Nashville's July 4 celebration evolved into a primetime spectacle

The event has ballooned into one of the best-attended and most highly regarded July 4 events in the country.

When the Nashville Convention &amp; Visitors Corp. took over production of the city&#x27;s July 4 celebration in 2004, country artists like Phil Vassar performed on top of a barge on the Cumberland River. A tasteful fireworks display brought the festivities to a close.Why it matters: From there, the event has ballooned into one of the best-attended and most highly regarded July 4 events in the country. It is headlined by artists representing a wide variety of genres, and the fireworks show puts most other cities&#x27; to shame.<ul><li>July 4 planners took things to another level for the nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary, turning the party into a two-day event that will culminate in a live national broadcast on ABC.</li></ul>