Dolly Parton makes an appearance on pop star Kesha’s new release, “Rainbow.” Dolly’s fans will hear her singing with Kesha on a new cover of “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)”. The album released on Aug. 11.
Back in 1980, “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)” became Dolly’s 10th No. 1 song to top the U.S. Country Singles Charts. She recorded it as part of her pop-focused album “Dolly, Dolly, Dolly”. Since then the song has been well-known as one of Dolly’s staple hits. However, many Dolly and Kesha fans alike may be surprised to learn how the song connects these two artists. As it turns out, Kesha’s mother Pebe Sebert co-wrote the song “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)” in the 1970s with her then husband Hugh Moffatt.
The 2017 collaboration between Dolly and Kesha is a fitting way to bring this timeless song to a whole new generation of music fans. This release is Kesha’s first album since 2012. In addition to Dolly, it features other guest appearances from The Dap-Kings Horns and Eagles of Death Metal. The first single “Praying” was released on July 6, 2017.
Arkansas native, Glen Campbell enjoyed a long-standing career in both country and pop music. A few of his signature songs included “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Gentle On My Mind” and of course “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
The Country Music Hall of Famer and six-time GRAMMY winner was awarded a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. In the late 80s, Glen guest starred on Dolly’s TV show. He performed his song, “I Remember You.”
Dolly had these words to say about Glen,
“Well, Glen Campbell was special because he was so gifted. Glen is one of the greatest voices that ever was in the business, and he was one of the greatest musicians. He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realize that, but he could play anything. And he could play it really well. So he was just extremely talented. I will always love you, Glen!”
On August 8, 2017, Glen Campbell died at the age of 81 after a public battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blackbird Presents and Kenny Rogers announce “All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration,” an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at 7 p.m. CT. This once-in-a-lifetime concert event will honor Kenny Rogers' historic 60-year career and will feature the final performance together by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, one of popular music’s most beloved duets of all time. Kenny said,
“As I'm bringing this chapter of my career to a close, this will be an unforgettable way to celebrate with my talented friends, who I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with.”
Kenny went on to say,
“It means so much that they would feel compelled to do this for me. Of course, the night would not be the same without Dolly Parton being part of it. We've enjoyed a special friendship for decades, and I'll forever look back fondly on the many collaborations, performances, and laughs we've shared as some of the most extraordinary moments of my career. I know it will be a moving experience for us standing on that stage together for one last time."
This one-night-only concert event taping will bring together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers. “All In For The Gambler” will feature performances by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Elle King and many other special guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Dolly said,
“Kenny is like a family member to me. We have been friends for over 30 years and made musical magic together. Since 1983, when we released ‘Islands In The Stream,’ everyone has had an expectation to see Kenny everywhere I go and me with him wherever he goes.”
Dolly continued,
“Well, I guess for many of those fans that wanted to see us together, this will be that night. Performing with Kenny for the last time ever on October 25th is going to be emotional for both of us, but it’s also going to be very special. Even though Kenny may be retiring, as he fades from the stage, our love for each other will never fade away.”
In this video, Kenny comments on what it be like to perform with Dolly for the last time in a public setting?
When asked, How do you begin to put together the set list for your final show - what kind of pressure is that? Kenny said,
“My favorite set list would be, some of my hits with Dolly. I think "Can't Make Old Friends"..."Islands in the Stream" and the songs I've done with other people. I would love to do some of those...Duets are part of the high point in my life and in my career.”
Tickets go on sale July 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. CT online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center.
In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers has left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years” are just a handful of Kenny Rogers' songs that continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Kenny, with twenty-four number-one hits, is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.
"Islands in the Stream" Duet With Kenny Rogers
"Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember"
"Real Love"
"Kenny, Dolly and Willie: Something Inside So Strong"
Sold-Out Kenny Rogers Concert Raises $60,000 for Dolly’s Imagination Library
Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund Telethon
On July 13, the Television Academy announced nominations for the 69th Emmy® Awards. Television Academy Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington along with Anna Chlumsky from the HBO series "Veep" and Shemar Moore from CBS’ "S.W.A.T." hosted the ceremony. "Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle Of Love" is among those recognized by the organization. This second installment of Dolly’s four-movie deal with NBC is nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. Dolly said,
"I am so very proud and excited to have ‘Christmas of Many Colors’ be nominated for an Emmy award. Special thanks to my partner and executive producer Sam Haskell, a wonderful cast and crew, Steve Herek (our producer) and Pamela Long for a great script. And a special thanks to all of the many fans that watched it."
In the two-hour movie, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of East Tennessee, face a devastating event, challenging their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another. Jennifer Nettles, who plays Dolly’s mother in the film, said,
“This project for me was a celebration of the family and the beautiful story of Miss Dolly Parton. Each day I played Avie Lee Parton was a joy. For "Christmas of Many Colors" to be nominated and celebrated further by the Emmy's, thrills me.”
The 69th Emmy Awards will telecast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Watch on Sunday, September 17 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/5:00-8:00 PM PT) on CBS. Stephen Colbert will serve as host. White Cherry Entertainment will produce the 69th Emmy Awards. Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner are executive producers. Weiss is the director. And Chris Licht, executive producer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, is a producer.
Here is a list of works nominated alongside "Christmas of Many Colors."
See a full list of Emmy nominees
Alyvia Alyn Lind, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney co-starred in the holiday movie. The film aired on NBC, with Dolly Parton making a special guest appearance. In addition to the Emmy nomination, "Christmas of Many Colors" earned the Movieguide® Epiphany Prize. The family-focused film also received honors at the 68th Annual Christopher Awards.
This nomination marks Dolly's second Emmy nod. She received her first in 1978. Her appearance on the one-time television special "Cher…Special" earned Dolly a nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music.
In the 2017-2019 final state budget, the North Carolina General Assembly approved $3.5 million (first year) and $7 million (second year) for Smart Start to administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across North Carolina. Dolly said,
"I’m so excited to join Smart Start to expand my Imagination Library across the state. Welcome aboard North Carolina – let’s give these dreams some wings!"
Cindy Watkins is the President of the North Carolina Partnership for Children/Smart Start. Cindy said,
“This budget clearly reflects a commitment to investing in our youngest children and their families. Our state leaders have expanded funding for child care subsidy, NC PreK, and early literacy through Smart Start. These investments are significant steps forward in building strong foundations for our state’s future.”
In addition to statewide coverage for the Imagination Library, the approved budget includes a $27.3 million increase in funding for NC PreK. Also, an increase in the market rate for child care subsidies for infants to two-year-olds in tier three counties. Finally, it includes an increase of $2 million for Nurse Family Partnership.
Smart Start is a network of 75 nonprofit local partnerships that serve all 100 North Carolina counties. This network is led by The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC) that ensures fiscal and programmatic accountability, and coordinates the statewide network to create better outcomes for children and families.
The Imagination Library is a book gifting program for children from birth to age five. The mission of the program is to foster a love of reading in preschool children. And ensure that every child born has books, regardless of their family’s income.
