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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.

Famed "Odyssey" translator to speak at Nashville's Parthenon

Emily Wilson will speak at The Parthenon on Sept. 1.

Things to Do

&quot;The Odyssey&quot; has captured the world&#x27;s attention this summer: Christopher Nolan&#x27;s adaptation of the Greek epic became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, spurring plenty of critical praise but also some backlash.<ul><li>Fans who want to dive deeper into the conversation need look no further than The Parthenon in Centennial Park.</li></ul>The latest: Scholar Emily Wilson, famous for her translation of &quot;The Odyssey,&quot; will be speaking at The Parthenon on Sept. 1. Tickets are still available.

Nashville concert raises money for elderly parrots

The fundraiser benefits the Exotic Avian Sanctuary of Tennessee.

Even parrots need retirement plans.Why it matters: Some parrots can live as long as 80 years, creating an unusual rescue challenge when their guardians die or can no longer care for them.<ul><li>But in Nashville, we have a mini music festival for that.</li></ul>

Tomato Art Fest takes over East Nashville this weekend

Events run 5-10pm Friday and 9am-7pm Saturday.

Erwin has apples. South Pittsburg has cornbread. Bell Buckle has RC Cola and MoonPies. Columbia has mules.<ul><li>And this weekend, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Nashville has the tomato" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/08/tomato-art-fest-is-back-for-its-22nd-year" data-vars-content-id="36ee4785-f0dd-495d-baeb-1fbfb53283ea" data-vars-headline="Tomato Art Fest takes over East Nashville this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/08/tomato-art-fest-is-back-for-its-22nd-year" target="_self">East Nashville has the tomato</a>.</li></ul>Driving the news: Tennessee has mastered the art of turning random items into full-on festivals, and the Tomato Art Fest might be the top of this unusual food pyramid.<ul><li>The 23rd annual tomato-centered block party takes over the Five Points neighborhood this weekend. Popular elements include a parade, a costume contest and a 5K.</li></ul>

Mules, Moon Pies and doodle soup: A guide to Tennessee's fun-but-weird festivals

We're highlighting some of our favorite food-focused festival options.

If you want to keep up the strange celebrations after this weekend&#x27;s Tomato Art Fest, Tennessee offers plenty of options.<ul><li>We&#x27;re highlighting some of our favorite food-focused festival options on the calendar. Plus one about mules.</li></ul>

Robert's Western World opening satellite honky-tonk in Nissan Stadium

The new Nissan Stadium adds "real Nashville" cred.

The iconic Nashville honky-tonk Robert&#x27;s Western World is opening its first-ever satellite location in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Nissan Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/16/2-stadiums-to-go" data-vars-content-id="9dca3dbf-ae8e-4001-b4b8-66b34c5492f3" data-vars-headline="Robert&#x27;s Western World opening satellite honky-tonk in Nissan Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/16/2-stadiums-to-go" target="_self">new Nissan Stadium</a>.Why it matters: Robert&#x27;s is widely seen as one of the most authentic outposts in the glitzy and tourist-heavy Lower Broadway area. Bringing it to Nissan gives the stadium instant &quot;real Nashville&quot; cred.

Our guide to August's only-in-Nashville concerts

A guide to our favorite upcoming shows in August.

Music City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest summer festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" data-vars-content-id="636bf64d-dc77-4896-acc3-e482d98e496f" data-vars-headline="Our guide to August&#x27;s only-in-Nashville concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" target="_self">biggest summer festivals</a> might be behind us, but August boasts a pretty stellar concert calendar.<ul><li>We rounded up a few of our favorite upcoming shows.</li></ul>

Kenny Chesney's life is on display in new Hall of Fame exhibit

"Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward" will be on display through June 1.

Kenny Chesney fans can now relive his rise to fame at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.Why it matters: A new exhibit that opened this week traces his path from East Tennessee State University&#x27;s bluegrass band to his stature as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the top musical acts of the 21st century" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/29/kenny-chesney-crowned-country-music-king-by-billboard" data-vars-content-id="463023bc-42b6-4e50-9a5d-e76d5fa682a6" data-vars-headline="Kenny Chesney&#x27;s life is on display in new Hall of Fame exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/29/kenny-chesney-crowned-country-music-king-by-billboard" target="_self">one of the top musical acts of the 21st century</a>.

Nashville airport getting new nonstop flights to Aruba, Virgin Islands

Southwest Airlines is beefing up its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presence in Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/31/top-airlines-nashville-international-airport-bna" data-vars-content-id="c6a16f1e-fb43-4dea-9e07-8e6970595afe" data-vars-headline="Nashville airport getting new nonstop flights to Aruba, Virgin Islands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/31/top-airlines-nashville-international-airport-bna" target="_self">presence in Nashville</a> with a slate of new nonstop routes that could be the start of your next beach vacation.Why it matters: Continued growth at Nashville International Airport means <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a lot of construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/06/nashville-airport-to-close-central-core-for-construction" data-vars-content-id="c6a16f1e-fb43-4dea-9e07-8e6970595afe" data-vars-headline="Nashville airport getting new nonstop flights to Aruba, Virgin Islands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/06/nashville-airport-to-close-central-core-for-construction" target="_self">a lot of construction</a>, of course, but it is also leading to more convenient travel options for flyers.

Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain

A flood watch for Middle Tennessee is in effect through Sunday.

You might have noticed a recurring theme at the top of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Nashville newsletters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nashville" data-vars-content-id="93ea1b57-92a8-4a22-b6d9-d80e9bf3ac51" data-vars-headline="Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nashville" target="_self">Axios Nashville newsletters</a> lately: rain.Why it matters: Nashville has been inundated with summer showers and thunderstorms over the last couple of weeks. That&#x27;s had benefits after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an extended period of drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/05/nashville-rain-offers-limited-drought-relief" data-vars-content-id="93ea1b57-92a8-4a22-b6d9-d80e9bf3ac51" data-vars-headline="Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/05/nashville-rain-offers-limited-drought-relief" target="_self">an extended period of drought</a>, but it is also raising some safety concerns.

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

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>

Things to Do 🗓

Famed "Odyssey" translator to speak at Nashville's Parthenon

Nashville concert raises money for elderly parrots

Tennessee State Fair opens Aug. 13

Cheekwood blooms with "The Gilded Age" floral exhibit

Tomato Art Fest takes over East Nashville this weekend