Nov. 18: 'Smoky Mountain DNA' Released Dolly's massive 37-track collection of songs with her family members, Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA -- Family, Faith & Fables, hit stores on Friday. Check out a video promoting the project as a reel on Dolly's social media here. Although the documentary series that was to accompany it has been delayed until sometime in 2025, according to the project's website, it has garnered some media attention with little promotion in the immediate time frame surrounding its release. Dolly was interviewed by the Associated Press here. The Wall Street Journal gave a positive review available via MSN here, but The Guardian gave it two out of five stars here, praising the archival material with her older relatives but criticizing the recordings with her youngest nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. While digital copies were available Friday, it appears most CD hard copies were delayed. Amazon notiifed those who pre-ordered that they are expected for a Nov. 22 delivery, a week late.
Jewlery Interview Posted
Jasmine Sweet last week posted an interview with Dolly and jewelry maker Kendra Scott about Dolly's new "Love Is Like A Butterfly" collection through Scott's store. Check it out here or in the media player above. The pair also did an interview with Peoplehere.
In Memoriam: David Parton Dolly's eldest brother, David W. Parton, died Friday at age 82. Read the obituary for the retired bridge building superintendent here. As of press time Sunday night, Dolly had not addressed the loss, but sister Stella posted to social media Friday here: "It's never easy to lose a loved one. My wonderful brother David Parton passed in the early hours of the morning." On Saturday, she shared a message of appreciation to fans: "Thank you for all your kind thoughts to my family as we continue to grieve the loss of our much loved and cherished oldest brother David." And on Sunday the Bible verse: "Oh that I had wings of a dove, I would fly away and be at rest. Psalms 55:6" This marks her fourth sibling to pass, following Larry in 1955, youngest brother Floyd in 2018, and Randy in 2021. All of her sisters are living.
'Good Lookin' Cookin'' Remains On Best Seller Lists Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly, Rachel Parton George, and Maurice Miner earned an eighth week on the New York Times Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous Best Sellers List, gaining two spots to No. 5. In Publisher's Weekly, it also enjoys an eighth week on the Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list, inching up one to No. 17 with 5,177 copies sold, bringing its cumulative total to 111,592 copies.
Dolly Gives Nashville Library Largest Gift Ever Last week, Dolly's Dollywood Foundation made the largest gift in the history of the Nashville Public Library Foundation, giving $4.5 million to start Begin Bright, a new program to improve reading literacy for kindergarten students by providing "little library" carts filled with Imagination Library books and other resources to every childcare center in the county. In a statement, Dolly said: "I really believe this partnership can make a huge impact on inspiring a love of reading for children and families. And one of the best parts is that Nashville can once again light the way for the nation." Learn more from The Tennesseanhere.
Dolly Talks To 'Wine Spectator' Dolly chatted about her new wine with Wine Spectatorhere last week.
U.S., U.K., Aussie Chart Updates Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon's holiday album Holiday Seasoning, featuring his Dolly duet "It's Almost Too Early For Christmas" from two years ago, debuted Tuesday on the Nov. 16 Billboard charts at No. 1 comedy albums, No. 3 sales and current sales, No. 2 holiday albums, No. 9 vinyl sales and No. 84 Top 200 all-genre albums charts that includes streaming. The collection saw 12,000 copies sold and only 1,000 album equivalents from streaming. In other chart news:
Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, featuring a Dolly duet, holds steady at No. 16 Top 200 Albums but loses three to No. 15 streaming and one to No. 9 Canadian albums. The title gains one to No. 3 country albums but falls off the current album sales list, down from No. 42.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, with a "Jolene" cover and Dolly voice-overs, inches up one to No. 42 country albums and remains steady at No. 17 Americana/folk albums.
A Holly, Dolly Christmas dips 17 to No. 46 in its third week this season on the Holiday Albums Chart, its 46th chart week since release.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion holds steady at No. 3 country, while Cowboy Carter rises four to No. 36 Australian country albums. Malone's album loses five to No. 33 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album dips 11 places to No. 72 U.K. pop albums and one to No. 67 streaming albums, holding steady at No. 3 country. Beyonce's album regains six to No. 4 U.K. country albums and two to No. 5 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 hold steady at No. 2, her Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection rise two to No. 3, the Original Album Series from Linda Ronstadt gain four to No. 16, Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions 17, The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe re-enter the top 20 at No. 18, and the Original Album Series from Emmylou Harris fall back off the top 20, down from No. 17.
James Patterson Announces Dolly Interview James Patterson has revealed that his Substack newsletter's interview series, Hungry Dogs, will soon feature an interview with Dolly like none she's ever given before. Check out his promotional video here or in the media player below, and sign up for his newsletter here (I do not know which paid or free subscription level will include the Dolly interview or when it will be released.)
Nov. 11: 50th Anniversary 'Love Is Like A Butterfly' Released
To honor the 50th anniversary of one of her signature songs, "Love Is Like A Butterfly," which became Dolly's fifth No. 1 country single 50 years ago Saturday, Dolly on Friday released a new recording of the track. Stream it on YouTube here or in the media player above and download it from Amazon here.
Costumes Audio Book Gets Grammy Nom, Swift Passes Dolly Record Grammy nominations were announced Friday and Dolly's colossal Rockstar project was snubbed entirely, just as it was by the CMAs. USA Today noted it among this year's major snubs here. Also passed over were her collaborations with Beyonce, Pitbull, Natalie Grant, Melissa Manchester, Rhonda Vincent, Blessing Offor, and Zach Williams, along with her contribution to the Tom Petty tribute album, all of which had been submitted for the Grammy ballot in various categories. She did receive one nomination, for Best audiobook, narration, and storytelling recording with Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones, which competes against All You Need Is Love: The Beatles In Their Own Words, And Your Ass Will Follow by George Clinton, Last Sunday In Plains: A Centennial Celebration by 100-year-old former President Jimmy Carter, and My Name Is Barbra from Barbra Streisand. Beyonce's Cowboy Carter was nominated for Album of the Year and both it and Post Malone's F 1 Trillion, each of which contain a Dolly appearance, are up for Best Country Album. Dolly's nod brings her career total to 55, but she loses her spot for second-most nominated female artist of all time, as Beyonce's 11 nomination extend her lead to 99, making her not only the most-nominated female but most-nominated of all artists, and Taylor Swift's six nods increase her to 58 career nominations, three more than Dolly, who is now in third place among women.
Cookbook Still On Best Seller Lists Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly, Rachel Parton George, and Maurice Miner earned a seventh week on the New York Times Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous Best Sellers List, gaining two spots to No. 7. In Publisher's Weekly, it also enjoys a seventh week on the Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list, gaining two to No. 18 thanks to 5,595 copies sold, bringing its seven-week cumulative total to 106,415 copies.
Nashville Hotel Renovation To Start Renovation on Dolly's Songteller Hotel in Nashville is about to begin, as the city issued a $45 million permit for the construction, several media outlets reported last week including Nashville Posthere.
NBC Adds Two More Dolly Holiday Airings NBC announced last week that Dolly will be among those recounting their favorite viral moments in the new special E! News Presents NBC's Hot 10 Of 2024 at 9:15 p.m. Dec. 12 with an extended hour-long version repeating at 8 p.m. Dec. 26. That encore airing will be followed by a repeat of the Emmy-nominated Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas at 9 p.m. Dec. 26 on the network.
U.S., U.K., Aussie Chart Updates Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, featuring a Dolly duet, slips two to No. 16 Top 200 Albums in the Nov. 9 Billboard numbers released Tuesday. The collection also falls two to No. 12 streaming, 18 to No. 42 current album sales, one to No. 4 country albums, and three to No. 8 Canadian albums. The title falls off the overall album sales list, down from No. 28.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, with a "Jolene" cover and Dolly voice-overs, inches down one to No. 43 country albums and No. 17 Americana/folk albums.
A Holly, Dolly Christmas gains five to No. 29 in its second week this season on the Holiday Albums Chart, its 45th chart week since release.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion holds steady at No. 3 country, while Cowboy Carter re-enters the top 40 Australian country albums list at No. 40. Malone's album inches down one to No. 28 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album gains nine places to No. 61 U.K. pop albums, loses eight to No. 66 streaming albums, and holds steady at No. 3 country. The album falls off the top 100 downloads, down from No. 78. Beyonce's album regains four to No. 10 U.K. country albums and four to No. 7 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 hold steady at No. 2, her Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection rise one to No. 5, the Original Album Series from Linda Ronstadt tumble eight to No. 20 and the Original Album Series from Emmylou Harris rise two to No. 17.
Nov. 4: Dolly 'Wonka' Sending Out Butterfly Tickets
Dolly donned a Willy Wonka costume last week to announce a new nationwide contest for the ultimate Dollywood "Playcation." Order the Tennessee Tourism free Tennessee Playcation Kid's Guide at DollyPlaycation.com to enter as 10 random copies of the guide will contain Dolly's Butterfly Tickets. Each of the 10 ticket recipients will win a two-night Dollywood Resort stay for opening weekend 2025, VIP experience for four at the park, four Gold season passes, a signed guitar inspired by Dolly, a Pigeon Forge Attractions Pass and a swag bag. Watch the announcement video here or in the media player above. Click on the promo photo for a larger view. In a press release, Dolly said: "I love making dreams come true, and this is a chance for families to dream big and plan their perfect Tennessee vacation at one of my favorite places – Dollywood. I'm tickled to be part of this adventure and help create some memories that will last a lifetime. There's nothing quite like spending time with family, and I'm just thrilled to give folks a little something special with these Butterfly Tickets!"
New Overseas Interviews
Dolly made the British press a couple of times this week with The Guardian running a story based on reader-submitted questions here and ITV's Lorraine airing an interview viewable here or in the media player above.
'Good Lookin' Cookin'' Still In NYT Top 10 Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly, Rachel Parton George, and Maurice Miner loses four places to No. 9 in its sixth week on the New York Times Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous Best Sellers List. The Publisher's Weekly's Best Seller List was not available as of press time Sunday night.
Dolly Contributes Another $1 Million To Helene Relief Last week, Luke Combs and Eric Church headlined the Concert for Carolinas benefit for Hurricane Helene relief for western North Carolina and while Dolly wasn't there in person, she did send a donation of her third $1 million. The funds come from her $100 million prize from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Previously, she had given $1 million personally and $1 million from her businesses. Read more here.
New Jewelry Line Is Coming Dolly is launching a new jewelry line with Kendra Scott, The Dallas News reported here.
Dolly's 'Christmas Carol' Returns To Vancouver Vancouver's Arts Club Theatre Company has announced its holiday season will kick off with a return of Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, which had previously played the theater and will run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 24 this year. Learn more here.
U.S., U.K., Aussie Chart Updates Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, featuring a Dolly duet, slips three to No. 14 Top 200 Albums in the Nov. 2 Billboard numbers released Tuesday. The collection also gains one to No. 10 streaming, No. 28 album sales, and No. 24 current album sales, holding steady at No. 3 country albums while falling one No. 5 Canadian albums.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, with a "Jolene" cover and Dolly voice-overs, loses four to No. 42 country albums and one on the Americana/folk albums list to No. 16.
This season's Holiday Albums Chart debuts this week, with A Holly, Dolly Christmas coming in at No. 34 for a 45th chart week.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion holds steady at No. 3 country, while Cowboy Carter falls off the top 40 Australian country albums list, down from No. 37. Malone's album inches up one to No. 27 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album drops 34 places to No. 70 U.K. pop albums, one to No. 78 downloads, and 31 to No. 58 streaming albums, holding steady at No. 3 country. Beyonce's album slides one to No. 14 U.K. country albums and six to No. 11 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 hold steady at No. 2, her Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection stay at No. 6, the Original Album Series from Linda Ronstadt stay at No. 12 and the Original Album Series from Emmylou Harris re-enter the top 20 at No. 19.
Dolly donned a Willy Wonka costume last week to announce a new nationwide contest for the ultimate Dollywood "Playcation." Order the Tennessee Tourism free Tennessee Playcation Kid's Guide at DollyPlaycation.com to enter as 10 random copies of the guide will contain Dolly's Butterfly Tickets. Each of the 10 ticket recipients will win a two-night Dollywood Resort stay for opening weekend 2025, VIP experience for four at the park, four Gold season passes, a signed guitar inspired by Dolly, a Pigeon Forge Attractions Pass and a swag bag. Watch the announcement video here or in the media player above. Click on the promo photo for a larger view. In a press release, Dolly said: "I love making dreams come true, and this is a chance for families to dream big and plan their perfect Tennessee vacation at one of my favorite places – Dollywood. I'm tickled to be part of this adventure and help create some memories that will last a lifetime. There's nothing quite like spending time with family, and I'm just thrilled to give folks a little something special with these Butterfly Tickets!"
