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Fearless, Fabulous Dolly Parton and What We Can All Learn From Her: A Remembrance
Melinda Newman (25/08/2026)
Parton died Aug. 25 at the age of 80, leaving far more than just her incredible career in music behind.
When the news broke today that Dolly Parton had died, everyone in the Billboard newsroom from the most seasoned veteran to the college intern shed a tear — because it felt like, as one person said, “an angel had just died.” The world already feels like a colder place without her in it. Everyone loved Dolly Parton because Dolly Parton honestly loved everyone. (Which is very different from liking everyone.)
Parton felt like the one person on earth that everyone could agree was nothing but a universal good. Groups who were famously at odds, such as conservative Christians and the LGBTQIA community, agreed on their love for Dolly. Today she’s even being mourned by The Muppets.
Parton generally declined to talk politics or politically charged issues, but she very clearly made her strong opinions known, and the thread always led back to treating people with love and kindness. She constantly stressed that she wasn’t here to judge; she’d leave that up to God.
But that doesn’t mean she played it safe. Not in her words or in her music. People weren’t writing songs about dying by suicide because they were pregnant in 1968 (or really now, 60 years later), but Parton was. In “The Bridge,” a women jumped off a bridge where she and her lover had first kissed after he abandoned her when she became pregnant. Even more heartbreaking is 1969’s “Down From Dover,” about a pregnant teen whose parents send her away and her baby dies while being born — because, the protagonist reckons, the baby knew the father was never coming back. That one got banned from the radio. (By the today’s far right definition, she was “woke” — but not even the far right was ever going to cancel Dolly.)
She had a unique blend of savvy and sensitivity, knowing when the right thing for her business was also just the right thing in general. In 2018, she renamed her Dixie Stampede dinner attraction Dolly Parton’s Stampede because she became aware the word “Dixie” and its associations with the Confederacy could be hurtful to some.
“When they said ‘Dixie’ was an offensive word, I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to offend anybody,” she told Billboard in a 2020 cover interview. “This is a business. We’ll just call it The Stampede.’ As soon as you realize that [something] is a problem, you should fix it. Don’t be a dumbass. That’s where my heart is. I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.”
In that same interview, she was ready when asked about the Black Lives Matter movement and was unequivocal in her support of peaceful protests: “I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen,” she said. “And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!”
In my more than 30 years as a journalist, I have never had a line from a story picked up as much as her “little white asses” comment, though Billboard deliberately didn’t lead with it or put it in the headline. Other artists may have backed down or said they were misquoted, but not Dolly.
So many artists, especially young ones, could learn from Parton about professionalism. Parton’s publicists never asked for questions in advance or said any topics were off limits — because Parton knew how to handle herself, and though petite, was hardly delicate.
She was also freakishly punctual. One time I had a 6:00 a.m. interview with Parton. I commented about it being so early, and she chided me for thinking that 6:00 a.m. was early, since she normally got up by 4:00 a.m. We had exactly 10 minutes. She was still answering a question when we rounded the 10-minute mark. She finished around 10 minutes and 15 seconds in, and immediately told me we had run over and she had to go. I still got enough from that 10-minute interview to write two pieces with no overlap at all.
Parton leaves behind more than 3,000 songs — one of which, “Jolene,” Billboard editors picked as the Best Country Song of All Time. (Which was just one year after the editors chose Parton as the Greatest Country Artist of All Time.) But her legacy is so much more than even that. Her Imagination Library provided free monthly books to children from birth to age five for more than 30 years, serving more than 3 million kids. She gave $1 million to Vanderbilt University to help develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s how trusted she was to do the right thing: In 2022, Jeff Bezos and his wife, through their Bezos Courage and Civility Award, gave Dolly Parton $100 million to donate to the non-profits and charities she chose.
In my office, I have a painting of Dolly with the initials WWDD, short for What Would Dolly Do? Now that she’s gone, those are words to live by now more than ever.
Lil Nas X Says Fans Are Being ‘OD Nice’ to Him Since He Got Out of Rehab
Angel Diaz (25/08/2026)
The "Old Town Road" rapper/singer seems to be in positive spirits since finding himself in legal trouble last summer.
Lil Nas X is trying to keep a positive attitude since getting out of rehab.
The rapper and singer posted an Instagram Reel telling fans that everyone has been treating him very well since he came from a recent rehab stint.
“Ever since I got out of rehab, like, everybody’s, like, OD nice to me,” he said jokingly. “I can be like, ‘Hey!’ Everybody’s gonna be like, ‘Oh my God, you’re so brave.’ I can try to post a thirst trap on my Instagram Story, and then it’s gonna be somebody like, ‘Keep fighting, King.'”
In keeping with his newfound positivity, he posted an Instagram Story holding a cake to celebrate his 10,000th day on planet Earth and poked fun at the people that may not make it to day 10,000. “So, tomorrow is my 10,000th day alive and I made it,” he said. “A lot of you won’t make it, but I made it.”
Back in June, Nas posted an IG Reel to give his fans and followers an update of where he’s been.
“I’ve been in rehab for a few months,” he said. “Since then I’ve been back home, whether its in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself, friends, and what not. And trying to ground myself down to Earth and get out of my head. I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist which is really helpful.”
He added that he originally was in denial about being bipolar. “When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis,” he began. “I feel like I had known for like the past few year but I didn’t want to admit to it ’cause I didn’t want to have to take medication and I don’t know, have people think different of me. I mean, I’m already Black and gay, like damn, God, come on. Black. gay, bipolar, I’mm like living life on like extreme hard mode.”
Lil Nas X found himself in legal trouble when he was charged with four felonies after allegedly attacking police while walking the streets of L.A. naked. According to Variety, he’ll have his charges dismissed if he continues mental health treatment.
Lauren London to Play Snoop Dogg’s Mother in Biopic, Plus 2Pac Casting News
Michael Saponara (25/08/2026)
Panic actor Camron Jones is slated to play Snoop's Death Row running mate.
Lauren London is set to play Snoop Dogg’s mother, Beverly Tate, in the upcoming Snoop biopic, according to Deadline. The Universal Pictures film is coming to U.S. theaters on Aug. 6, 2027.
It wouldn’t be Snoop Dogg’s complete rap story without 2Pac, and The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Tuesday (Aug. 25) that Panic actor Camron Jones is slated to play Snoop’s Death Row running mate.
Hustle & Flow‘s Craig Brewer is directing the biopic, which has cast Outerbanks star Jonathan Daviss as Snoop Dogg and BMF‘s Myle Bullock Be in the role of Dr. Dre.
Beverly Tate had a profound impact on Snoop’s career. In addition to being his mother, she worked as a director in the local church choir and began calling her son Snoopy, based on the dog from the TV show Peanuts.
Snoop Dogg and 2Pac’s careers crossed paths while dominating rap as superstars leading Suge Knight’s Death Row Records in the mid-’90s. They teamed up for hits like “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.” Snoop also had the honor of inducting Pac into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Lauren London and Snoop have history as well, as the West Coast rap legend previously enlisted the ATL actress to appear in his and Pharrell’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot” music video, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004.
London’s partner, the late Nipsey Hussle, was actually offered to play Snoop Dogg in 2015’s N.W.A. biopic, but Hussle ultimately turned Straight Outta Compton down and the role went to LaKeith Stanfield.
As far as her recent work, Lauren London starred in You People in 2023 and made an appearance in Tyler, The Creator’s “Darling, I” music video last year.
Find Snoop Dogg and Death Row Pictures’ post confirming Lauren London’s role below.
Dolly Parton Tells Her Story in Memoir: Here’s Where To Get a Copy of ‘Star of the Show: My Life on Stage’ Online
Rudie Obias (25/08/2026)
This book is a must for any Dolly fan.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With hit songs, like “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Heartbreak Express” and “Jolene,” Dolly Parton has been an icon in country music and pop culture for more than 60 years. With the death of Parton’s at age 80, her memoir offers fans her life’s story through her onstage performances.
On sale for $31.91 (was $100) on Amazon, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage (Deluxe Edition) chronicles Parton’s career in performance going from singing in front of her family, showcasing her charisma on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and other memorable performances. It was first released in Nov. 2025.
The deluxe edition of the book features more than 500 photos and an eight-page list of iconic performances. It also comes in a slipcase with gilded edges, adorned with a satin ribbon marker and other special features that aren’t available with the standard edition.
PREORDER
'Star of the Show: My Life on Stage'
Release date: Nov. 11
Meanwhile, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is the third book of Parton’s memoir trilogy. The first book in the series is Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, about the country music icon’s lyrics, while the second book is Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, about Parton’s personal and onstage style and fashion.
And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can order now, and Star of the Show will be delivered to your home in less than two days once it’s released, thanks to Prime Delivery.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Photos; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to exclusive shopping events — such as Prime Day and Black Friday — and much more. Learn more about Amazon Prime and its benefits here.
In addition, Star of the Show is available as an Audible audiobook, which is free to listen to for subscribers when it’s released. If you’re not a subscriber, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.
Available right now, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage (Deluxe Edition) is on sale for $31.93 (was $100) on Amazon.
The memoir is also available at BookShop.org for $93.20 (regularly $100), while Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is available at Barnes & Noble priced at $100.
The Game Says He Reconsidered Including Drake Verse on ‘No Brakes’ to ‘Protect the Coast’: ‘I Pulled Certain Things Off the Album’
Angel Diaz (25/08/2026)
The Compton rapper hinted at there being multiple versions of the song during a recent radio interview.
The Game reveals that there are multiple versions of the song “No Brakes” which features Drake.
During a recent appearance on Real 92.3 LA’s The Cruz Show, The Game alluded to there being a verse that he decided to take off after host J. Cruz asked if Drake originally had a verse on the Documentary III single. “I don’t know. Maybe,” The Game replied before suggesting he decided not use the Toronto rapper’s verse for the sake of peace.
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He added: “Maybe I pulled it off, ‘cause I didn’t need it. That is not the first version of that song. There’s about three versions, and some other versions, they weren’t really too kind. I pulled certain things off the album. I altered the album a lot to make sure the focus would be more on music and less on B.S.”
Cruz then hit him with a rebuttal and asked if the decision was made “to protect certain individuals,” to which the Compton rapper responded with, “Maybe it was just to protect the [West] Coast as a whole. I think it was better to deliver an album full of music, with no beefs. I don’t think I’m dissing anyone on the album.”
Since he dropped The Documentary III last week, he’s been fighting off allegations that he dissed Kendrick Lamar and is siding with Drake. He even hopped in IG comments saying that he didn’t diss anybody on “No Brakes” in response to a news page reposting a rant from a fan.
You can watch the full interview between The Game and J. Cruz below.
Dolly Parton Forever: See Pictures From Her Billboard Photo Shoots Over the Years
Samantha Xu (25/08/2026)
The incomparable legend died at the age of 80 on Aug. 25, 2026.
On a list of accolades that includes 10 Grammys, 22 Billboard Hot 100 hits and inductions into both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, Dolly Parton was also a Billboard cover star.
The legendary musician and cultural icon — whose death at age 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25) has made for an indescribable loss — was on the cover of Billboard in 2020, a historically difficult year for many during which Parton’s infallible optimism and kindness were needed more than ever. She spoke to executive editor Melinda Newman about keeping her groundbreaking Dollywood enterprise on its feet in the face of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic at the time, as well as her industry savvy and endurance over the course of her six-decade career. Above everything, though, she emphasized her commitment to generosity.
“As the scripture says, ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” Parton said in the piece, which also served as 2020’s Billboard Country Power Players issue. “So I look at my life with that every day and think that God expects it of me. I expect it of myself, and I think people expect it of me. If I can be an inspiration, then I want to be that. That makes me feel good.”
Parton was also featured six years prior in a 2014 issue of Billboard, answering questions about everything from her long marriage to late husband Carl Dean to her love for her LGBTQ fanbase and position as a role model with her signature sparkling wit. “I’ve lived a lot and I’ve done a lot,” she said at the time. “I’ve been around so long that I think people just kind of feel like I’m a member of their family — like a favorite aunt or an older sister. People relate to me because I grew up poor and in a big family. They know I understand all the hardships.”
In honor of the irreplaceable superstar, take a look at the photos from Parton’s unforgettable shoots with Billboard in 2020 and 2014 below.
Signed: Meghan Trainor Joins UTA for Global Representation
Ariel King (25/08/2026)
In this week's signings, MARINA also joins United Talent Agency, Fabio Capri at WK Entertainment and more.
Meghan Trainor signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for global representation in live touring, brand partnerships, filmed entertainment, digital media and theatre, the agency announced.
Trainor released her seventh studio album, Toy With Me, in April. The record saw Trainor address online comments. Sitting down with Billboard back in April, she shared the inspiration for her latest album’s name came from playing toys with her kids, stating, “I want my music to take me back to childhood when everything was easier and better and lighter.”
Trainor’s 2015 album Title hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while 2016’s Thank You peaked at No. 3. In 2025, Trainor received the Hitmaker Award at the Billboard Women in Music event. When she spoke to Billboard ahead of receiving the honor, she said she considered a hit song something her at the time “three-year-old would know,” noting that she believes the biggest hits to be cross-generational.
In 2014, her single “All About That Bass” spent eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and a total of 47 weeks on the chart. Her 2016 single, “No,” peaked at No. 3. Her song “Criminals” was the theme song for Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, which helped the song land on the Hot 100.
In 2016, Trainor won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
She has also made appearances as a judge, coach and mentor on The Voice, The Voice UK, The Four and Australian Idol.
Trainor is managed by Bond Artist Management’s Nikola Barisic and represented by Myman Greenspan Fox’s Aaron Rosenberg.
See more artist signings below.
President Trump Orders U.S. Flags Lowered to Half-Staff for 1 Week to Mourn Dolly Parton: ‘The World Loves You’
Jessica Nicholson (25/08/2026)
The country music icon died Tuesday (Aug. 25) at age 80.
As the world mourns the death of Dolly Parton, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday (Aug. 25) that flags around the country will be lowered to half-staff beginning at 6 p.m. in honor of the late country icon.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President Donald J. Trump.”
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Tennessee native Parton died Tuesday in Nashville, at age 80. Parton’s nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver announced Parton’s death in a video on social media.
During her career, Parton often avoided delving into politics. She previously revealed during a Today show interview in 2021 that she was twice offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the Trump administration, and turned it down both times.
“I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,” Parton told Today at the time, and noting she had heard from President Joe Biden at the time about accepting the honor as well. “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”
Parton dedicated her life and career to bettering the world in so many ways, from her Dollywood theme park to her Imagination Library, which has promoted childhood literacy through delivering millions of books to children. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, and in 2000, she launched the Dolly Parton Scholarship to help college-bound students in her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee. She made donations to help people in East Tennessee following devastating wildfires, and donated $1 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2017.
As a singer, artist, songwriter, entertainer, author, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton built a multifaceted career that included multitudes of accolades. She was a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. She also earned 10 Grammy wins from 55 nominations.
An official statement regarding Parton’s death on Aug. 25 reads: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Olivia Rodrigo Says She’s ‘Already Cooking Up’ Another Lego Set After Initial Success
Sophie Dunne (25/08/2026)
The singer's first dedicated Lego collection came out this month and includes five separate builds, with minifigures and Easter eggs from the singer's career.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Olivia Rodrigo turned her music into Lego collectibles with five sets — the toy company’s first time offering a musician multiple Lego collections at once.
Launched globally on Aug. 1, the Lego collaboration is inspired by the singer’s albums, performances and personal style, and includes five minifigures with two facial expressions. Rodrigo worked closely with Lego’s senior designer, Amy Corbett, on the meticulous details of the bricks, down to her favorite looks, stage moments and Easter eggs related to her tour.
“Seeing the finished collection for the first time in London was such a surreal moment because everything we’d imagined had finally come to life,” Rodrigo tells Billboard exclusively.
She also reflected on how digital the world has become and the importance of taking time away from screens to be creative. So it’s no surprise she’s working on a new product with the toy company, telling us, “We’re already cooking up another fun thing together, can’t wait for people to see!” While you wait, shop her first collection, featuring a purple guitar, concert moon, vinyl, flower bouquet and secret storage set.
Inspired by a memorable moment from her Guts World Tour, this 670-piece set re-creates the giant moon from her concerts with hidden drawers, picture holders and a record player.
“The record player is probably my favorite because I was genuinely shocked that it actually spins like a real one,” the “Logical” singer tells us. “It’s such a cool feat of engineering.”
This 1,228-piece set combines acoustic and electric guitars, opening to reveal stage scenes, backstage details and secret storage compartments.
This 360-piece set turns Rodrigo’s musical career into a brick-built vinyl display, with hidden references spanning all three of her albums.
The 400-piece bouquet features symbolic flowers, a purple bloom made from electric guitars and details inspired by Rodrigo’s Filipino heritage. “One of my favorites is the Botanicals flower bouquet because every flower has its own meaning, and there’s a tiny honeybee hidden in it as a nod to my song,” she tells Billboard.
The 1,085-piece set combines Rodrigo-inspired details, including a red guitar, a red megaphone and a notebook referencing the handwritten lyrics from Sour.
Easter eggs are a major appeal of this five-piece Lego set, with Rodrigo telling us how she worked a dressing room into the design with a cheeseburger inside, as a nod to the tradition of getting Five Guys after almost every show.
When asked if she has gotten around to building any of her sets yet, Rodrigo says, “Not yet! Maybe I’ll bring a few sets on tour and build some up when I have some downtime.” It’s no surprise considering her busy summer. Despite releasing You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love in June, Rodrigo is also gearing up for her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival on Aug. 29 in Irvine, California. The festival will feature performances by Rodrigo herself, as well as Chappell Roan, Stevie Nicks, KATSEYE, Mitski, Doechii, Bikini Kill, Garbage and many others.
Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs Chart
Gary Trust (25/08/2026)
The Toy Story single is her ninth all-format airplay leader.
Taylor Swift claims the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s all-format Radio Songs chart as “I Knew It, I Knew You” rises a rung on the Aug. 29-dated ranking.
The song drew 64.7 million airplay audience impressions Aug. 14-20. (The chart measures songs’ weekly reach, as tabulated by Mediabase and provided to Billboard by Luminate, on more than 1,100 U.S. radio stations.)
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“I Knew It, I Knew You” becomes Swift’s ninth career Radio Songs No. 1 Here’s a recap of her leaders.
Title, Weeks at No. 1, Year(s):
- “I Knew It, I Knew You,” one (to date), 2026
- “Cruel Summer,” 12, 2023-24
- “Anti-Hero,” five, 2022-23
- “Wildest Dreams,” two, 2015
- “Bad Blood,” five, 2015
- “Blank Space,” six, 2014-15
- “Shake It Off,” four, 2014
- “I Knew You Were Trouble.,” four, 2013
- “You Belong With Me,” two, 2009
“I Knew It, I Knew You” is from Toy Story 5, inspired by the film’s cowgirl heroine, Jessie. In June, the song launched as Swift’s 15th No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became just the third leader on the list ever from an animated Disney movie, and the first from its Pixar studio.
Meanwhile, the track is the second Radio Songs No. 1 this year from a soundtrack — HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, led for a week in January.
On its way to its Radio Songs reign, “I Knew It, I Knew You” has claimed milestones on individual-format airplay charts. On Adult Pop Airplay, it became Swift’s 16th No. 1, lifting her past Maroon 5 for the most leaders, dating to the chart’s debut in Billboard in March 1996.
On Country Airplay, the song became the first by a woman ever to debut in the top 10. It has since reached No. 7. It has also become her 29th top 10 on Pop Airplay and her 23rd on Adult Contemporary.
Notably, Swift made history when “You Belong With Me” became her first Radio Songs No. 1, marking the first country crossover leader since the chart began in December 1990. It surpassed three such No. 2 hits to that point: Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” (1998), Faith Hill’s “Breathe” (2000) and Swift’s “Love Story” (earlier in 2009).
