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Starting Thursday, Dolly Parton will read bedtime stories to your kids

(CNN)Parents working nine to five — now from home, amid the coronavirus pandemic — will soon get some help in entertaining their kids, thanks to country music superstar Dolly Parton.

The nine-time Grammy winner said beginning this Thursday, she will read bedtime stories to children in a new virtual series called “Goodnight with Dolly.”
Each week, Parton will read a new book selected from the Imagination Library, her book gifting program which mails free books to children.
    “This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right,” Parton said in a statement on the program’s website. “I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love.”
    The free 10-week series will kick off with a reading of “The Little Engine That Could,” a book that has been a source of inspiration for Parton.
      “Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates,” according to the news release announcing the series.
      Parton’s storytime will be streamed on Facebook every Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The series is presented as a collaboration between Parton, Dollywood, Abramorama, and The Dollywood Foundation.

      Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/31/entertainment/dolly-parton-bedtime-stories-trnd/index.html

      Country singers are mourning the death of Joe Diffie

      (CNN)Country singers all over the nation are leaving emotional tributes to Joe Diffie, who died from complications of coronavirus on Sunday.

      The singer and 61-year-old native of Tulsa, Oklahoma is in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years.
      Here just a few of the many country singers honoring Diffie:

        Jason Aldean

        American country singer Jason Aldean shared a tribute to Diffie by posting the cover of the singer’s second studio album, “Regular Joe,” on Twitter.
        “Man what a week Kenny Rogers and now Joe Diffie,” Aldean captioned the photo. “This guy was an amazing singer and an even greater person. Such a sad week for the country music world.”

        Charlie Daniels

        Singer Charlie Daniels, known for his hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” posted his own tribute to Diffie.
        “RIP Joe Diffie. TeamCDB/BW #RIP,” the singer tweeted alongside a photo of the two of them.
        Daniels also posted the video of Diffie’s song “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die).”

        Brad Paisley

        Brad Paisley posted a video of him singing with Diffie onstage, along with an emotional tribute to the late singer.
        “I’m devastated by the loss of my friend Joe Diffie,” Paisley said on Twitter. “I can’t find adequate words. But the records he made, that voice, the twinkle in his eye, and our memories cannot be taken away by this disease.”

        Travis Tritt

        Country music singer Travis Tritt, who toured with Diffie in the 90s, posted a photo on Instagram picturing the two performing together.
        “We had a lot of great times together, both onstage and offstage,” Tritt captioned the photo. “This is one of my favorite photos of Joe Diffie and me onstage together. This photo hangs in my office to this day. #RIPjoediffie I will never forget you!”
        View this post on Instagram

        This is one of my favorite photos of Joe Diffie and me onstage together. This photo hangs in my office to this day. #ripjoediffie I will never forget you!

        A post shared by Travis Tritt (@realtravistritt) on

        Carrie Underwood

          “Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie,” country singer Carrie Underwood said on Twitter.
          “The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends.”

          Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/30/entertainment/joe-diffie-country-singers-tribute-trnd/index.html

          Lionel Richie remembers his friend Kenny Rogers in ACM concert

          (CNN)Some of country music’s biggest names came together to celebrate the late Kenny Rogers on Sunday night.

          But it was Richie who had everyone reaching for the Kleenex when he sang their hit 1980 song, “Lady,” which Richie wrote.
          “What started out to be a great collaboration between two guys, Kenny Rogers and myself, ended up giving me a surprise. Not only did we have a hit record, but I found one of the greatest friends I ever had in my whole life. The loss of him is tremendous on my heart,” said Richie.
            “We lived so much life together, and tonight I want to celebrate his life. And I want to say to all of his fans: He enjoyed the ride. Let us celebrate his life, his legacy, and more importantly, the music. God bless you, Kenny. God bless your family. I love you very much.”
            The special also aired a short portion of their famous duet from the 2012 TV special “ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends — In Concert.”
            Paisley and Rucker performed his 1977 hit “Lucille,” and the 1978 hit “The Gambler,” while Bryan sang Rogers’ 1979 single “Coward of the County.”
              Rogers died at the age of 81 last month from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by family.
              He had 24 No. 1 hits and through his career sold more than 50 million albums in the US alone. He was a six-time Academy of Country Music Awards winner and three-time Grammy Award winner.

              Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/06/entertainment/lionel-richie-kenny-rogers-acm-concert-trnd/index.html

              Adam Schlesinger, Fountains of Wayne singer, dead at 52 from COVID-19

              (CNN)Adam Schlesinger, the co-founder of pop-rock band Fountains of Wayne and an Oscar-nominated songwriter, has died from complications related to coronavirus. He was 52.

              It added: “We are terribly sorry to convey this loss.”
              Schlesinger’s band, which was co-founded with Chris Collingwood, was best known for its 2003 hit “Stacy’s Mom,” a humorous track about a young boy who has a crush on his friend’s mother. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award.
                But Schlesinger had success before that as a songwriter. He co-wrote the title track to the Tom Hanks film “That Thing You Do,” and received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his work.
                After success with Fountains of Wayne, Schlesinger continued to branch out, earning Tony nominations for his work on the musical “Cry-Baby” and numerous Emmy nominations for other work, which included collaborations with Stephen Colbert and “Sesame Street.”
                He won an Emmy last year for a song he co-wrote for CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” a show for which he wrote more than 100 songs and earned several nominations over the years.
                Schlesinger was hospitalized this week.
                A statement from his family, released by Collingwood via Twitter, confirmed Schlesinger was diagnosed with COVID-19. Schlesinger was put on a ventilator and sedated “to facilitate his recovery.”
                “He is receiving excellent care, his condition is improving and we are cautiously optimistic,” the statement said. “His family appreciates all of the love and support.”
                News of his illness prompted an outpouring of well wishes from the music industry and beyond, as did word of his passing.
                “I am grasping for the right words. My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19,” wrote Dashboard Confessional singer Chris Carrabba on Twitter. “I knew him best as a mentor, and a friend.”
                He added: “We must take this seriously. People are sick and dying. It is hard to stay locked indoors but lives will be saved. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”
                  Schlesinger was writing the lyrics and music for a new theater production with comedian Sarah Silverman at the time of his death, the attorney’s statement added.
                  Schlesinger was survived by his two daughters, Sadie and Claire, his life partner Alexis Morley, his parents Barbara and Stephen Schlesinger and his sister Lauren, according to the statement.

                  Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/entertainment/adam-schlesinger-dead/index.html

                  Katy Perry announced the gender of her baby in a tasty reveal with Orlando Bloom

                  (CNN)Katy Perry has announced the gender of her baby, and the reveal was pretty sweet.

                  “It’s a girl,” the singer captioned the photo on Friday.
                  View this post on Instagram

                  💕 it’s a girl 💕

                  A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

                  In March, the pop star revealed that the two are expecting their first child together through a music video.
                    The video for “Never Worn White” shows Perry cradling her baby bump while wearing a white dress.
                    The singer also hilariously confirmed the pregnancy on Instagram Live when she pointed the camera at her belly, screamed, and said “Well, I think that’s it.”

                    Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/04/entertainment/katy-perry-orlando-bloom-gender-reveal-trnd/index.html

                    Kenny Rogers is mourned by close friends and fellow musicians

                    (CNN)Celebrities shared their grief over the loss of Kenny Rogers, whom they described as a talented country musician and a longtime friend.

                    “Today I lost one of my closest friends So much laughter so many adventures to remember, my heart is broken… My prayers go out to Kenny’s Family,” Lionel Richie tweeted.
                    Other musicians including Blake Shelton, Reba and Dolly Parton also shared tributes.
                      “Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven. Can’t wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend,” Reba tweeted.
                      Parton remembered her partner on the hit duet, “Islands in the Stream.”
                      “You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” she wrote on Twitter. “I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend.”
                      In a video posted along with the message, a visibly emotional Parton held a picture of herself with Rogers saying, “I know you are as sad as I am. But God bless you Kenny, fly high in to the arms of God.”

                      Rogers was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, for what organization officials called a “distinctive, husky voice.”
                      He had 24 No. 1 hits through his career and sold more than 50 million albums in the US alone.
                      “Country Music has lost the great Kenny Rogers, who has forever left a mark on Country Music’s history,” the Country Music Association said in a statement. “His family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
                      Some of his hits included “Lady,” “Lucille,” “We’ve Got Tonight” and “Through the Years.”
                      His 1978 song “The Gambler” inspired multiple TV movies, with Rogers as the main character.
                      In 1985, he participated in the original recording of “We Are the World,” along with more than three dozen artists.
                      In 2015, Rogers announced his retirement.
                      “I’ve been so lucky to have enjoyed such a long career and to have such amazing support from my fans and all who have helped me along the way, but there comes a time when I need to focus on spending time with my family,” he said.
                        “My life is about my wife and my 11-year-old twin boys right now. There are a lot of things I want to do together with them to create some special memories. I don’t have a bucket list of my own … I have a bucket list of things I want to do with them.”
                        Rogers’ family plans a small, private service out of concern for the coronavirus pandemic. They will celebrate his life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date, his publicist said.

                        Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/22/entertainment/kenny-rogers-country-singer-tributes/index.html

                        DJ D-Nice is throwing the best quarantine party

                        (CNN)DJ D-Nice seems determined to make sure we jam our way through this crisis.

                        Stars including supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Donnie Wahlberg,singer Janet Jackson and dozens of other celebs have been hopping on to enjoy the tunes.
                        Thanks to Instagram Live’s split feature, which allows other people to appear on the feed, followers have enjoyed “guest appearances” by the likes of singer John Legend and rappers Common and Big Daddy Kane, among others.
                          On Wednesday the DJ posted “3pm PST we are going live! Tell your friends!” on his verified Instagram account.
                          View this post on Instagram

                          3pm PST we are going live! Tell your friends!

                          A post shared by D-Nice (@dnice) on

                          What followed was a nine-hour dance party he dubbed “Home School.”
                          The following day he posted “I can’t believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected.”
                          View this post on Instagram

                          I can’t believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected. From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you. Thank you for rocking with me. Thank you to all of the artists that popped in to show love. Al B. Sure, Andre Harrell, Angie Martinez, Anthony Hamilton, Beverly Bond, Bevy Smith, Big Daddy Kane, Bink, Black Thought, Bun B, Chris Spencer, Common, Damien Hall, Dave Chappelle, Deborah Cox, Debra Lee, DJ Camilo, DJ Cassidy, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Goldfinger, DJ Tony Touch, Donald Faison, Dres, Dule Hill, Erick Sermon, Estelle, Fab 5 Freddy, Fat Joe, Ghostface, Grand Puba, Jairobi White, Jazmyn Simon, Jermaine Dupri, Jill Scott, Jim Jones, Joe Budden, John Legend, Jonathan Mannion, Kardinal Official, Kenny Burns, Kenny Smith, Kevin Liles, Lee Daniels, Lena Waithe, Lennox Lewis, Letoya Luckett, LL Cool J, Louise Hazel, Mary J. Blige, Maseo, MC Lyte, Michael Ealy, Michael Rapaport, Michelle Wolf, Naomi Campbell, Nile Rodgers, Omar Dorsey, Oneal McKnight, Posdonus, Royale Watkins, Russell Simmons, Sophia Chang, Spice Adams, Spinderella, Stretch Armstrong, Swin Cash, Tank, Tasha Smith, Teddy Riley, Tobe Nwigwe, Zab Judah, and more. Class resumes today at 2pm pst. Please tell your friends. #BrandNice #dnicehomeschool

                          A post shared by D-Nice (@dnice) on

                          “From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you,” Nice wrote. “Thank you for rocking with me.”
                          Beloved in the music community since the 1980s when he was a member of the pioneering Bronx hip-hop crew BDP, he also found fame as one of the producers of the anti-violence anthem, “Self Destruction.”
                          By Saturday evening, more than50,000people had hopped on the Instagram Live at the same time to groove together.
                            There were so many African American celebrities present and commenting that one person jokingly quipped in the comments, “Where are the Obamas?”
                            Nice served as the DJ for the after party at the final musical event hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the White House in 2016.

                            Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/21/entertainment/dj-d-nice-quarantine-party/index.html

                            Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett lead Academy of Country Music award nominations

                            (CNN)The Academy of Country Music announced nominations for its 55th annual awards Thursday.

                            First-time nominee Justin Bieber also received four picks for his work on the “10,000 Hours” song with Dan + Shay.
                            Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and 15-time ACM award-winner Keith Urban will host the show for the first time.
                              The following is a list of the main awards:

                              ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

                              Luke Bryan
                              Eric Church
                              Luke Combs
                              Thomas Rhett
                              Carrie Underwood

                              FEMALES ARTIST OF THE YEAR

                              Kelsea Ballerini
                              Miranda Lambert
                              Maren Morris
                              Kacey Musgraves
                              Carrie Underwood

                              MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

                              Dierks Bentley
                              Luke Combs
                              Thomas Rhett
                              Chris Stapleton
                              Keith Urban

                              DUO OF THE YEAR

                              Brooks & Dunn
                              Brothers Osborne
                              Dan + Shay
                              Florida Georgia Line
                              Maddie & Tae

                              GROUP OF THE YEAR

                              Lady Antebellum
                              Little Big Town
                              Midland
                              Old Dominion
                              The Highwomen

                              NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

                              Ingrid Andress
                              Gabby Barrett
                              Lindsay Ell
                              Caylee Hammack
                              Tenille Townes

                              NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

                              Jordan Davis
                              Russell Dickerson
                              Riley Green
                              Cody Johnson
                              Morgan Wallen

                              ALBUM OF THE YEAR

                              “Center Point Road” — Thomas Rhett
                              “Girl” — Maren Morris
                              “Heartache Medication” — Jon Pardi
                              “What You See Is What You Get” — Luke Combs
                              “Wildcard” — Miranda Lambert

                              SINGLE OF THE YEAR

                              “God’s Country” — Blake Shelton
                              “One Man Band” — Old Dominion
                              “Rainbow” — Kacey Musgraves
                              “Rumor” — Lee Brice
                              “What If I Never Get Over You” — Lady Antebellum

                              SONG OF THE YEAR

                              “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
                              “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” — Ashley McBryde
                              “God’s Country” — Blake Shelton
                              “One Man Band” — Old Dominion
                              “Some Of It” — Eric Church

                              VIDEO OF THE YEAR

                              “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
                              “God’s Country” — Blake Shelton
                              “One Man Band” — Old Dominion
                              “Remember You Young” — Thomas Rhett
                              “Sugar Coat” — Little Big Town

                              SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

                              Ashley Gorley
                              Michael Hardy
                              Hillary Lindsey
                              Shane McAnally
                              Josh Osborne

                              MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

                              “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
                              “Dive Bar” — Garth Brooks Featuring Blake Shelton
                              “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” — Miranda Lambert Featuring Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King
                              “Old Town Road” — Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
                                “What Happens In A Small Town” — Brantley Gilbert Featuring Lindsay Ell
                                The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, on CBS.

                                Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/entertainment/academy-country-music-awards-nominations/index.html

                                Coachella, Stagecoach officially postponed over coronavirus concerns

                                (CNN)Two of music’s largest events will be delayed over coronavirus concerns.

                                The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will now take place October 9-11 and October 16-18, 2020.
                                The festival, which typically attracts about 100,000 attendees per day, had been set to take place April 10-12 and 17-19 in Indio, California.
                                  Stagecoach, a popular country music festival, will take place October 23-25. It had been scheduled to take place April 24-26 in Indio.
                                  Earlier Tuesday, two sources with knowledge of the matter told CNN that organizers for Coachella would postpone the event.
                                  Both events, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, join a host of others — from concert tour legs to conferences — that have canceled or rescheduled plans as the number of global cases of coronavirus continues to climb.
                                  Last week, Austin’s South by Southwest Festival was canceled amid concerns over the virus’s spread.
                                  Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Frank Ocean were scheduled to headline Coachella. It is not yet known whether they will perform in October.
                                  Other artists set to perform had included Calvin Harris, Big Sean, Lewis Capaldi, Charlie XCX, Flume, 21 Savage, Lana Del Rey and Lil Nas X.
                                    Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church had been set to headline Stagecoach.
                                    Organizers said all tickets purchased for the April dates will be honored for the new dates. Refund information will also be available by Friday, March 13.

                                    Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/10/entertainment/coachella-postponed-coronavirus/index.html

                                    Jay Electronica finally releases debut album

                                    (CNN)Jay Electronica has gone and done it.

                                    “A Written Testimony” hit the Tidal streaming service late Thursday.
                                    That makes sense given that years ago he originally signed with Tidal owner Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label.
                                      Electronica first came to fame in 2007 with “Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)” which featured him rapping over the score for the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
                                      Singles “Exhibit A” and “Exhibit C” garnered him even more positive reviews and attention.
                                      But the New Orleans native’s debut album still never materialized — until now.
                                        Electronica prepared his followers with some advanced notice on social media.
                                        View this post on Instagram

                                        As Salaam Alaikum 🤲🏿🕋 cc: @youngguru763 @supremestreet @rocnation @kodaklens @therealjjmonster @vegas_jones @shafferdc @sharib @thebullitts @ijessewilliams

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                                        View this post on Instagram

                                        🕋 🛸 #AWrittenTestimony💞 cc: @supremestreet @youngguru763 @rocnation @kodaklens @angelayee @angelamr80 @therealjjmonster @vegas_jones @shafferdc @sharib @thebullitts @therealswizzz @ijessewilliams @wesleymuhammad @wakeelallah @sdq0218 @johnnieaudible @mrleagueofmen @brother_willie @thecutprofessor @illnursealert @slimwithit @neelam_ @19_keys @brotherbenx @_rizzaislam @erykahbadu

                                        A post shared by J A Y E L E C T R O N I C A® (@jayelectronica) on

                                        Over the past few days he’s posted music, a scene from the studio, and Apple Music announcing the new album’s track list.

                                        Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/entertainment/jay-electronica-debut-album-trnd/index.html