Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies at 80

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26:51That was the artist Bells who told People Magazine her, quote, wildest dreams came true when Dali Parton teamed up with her on a song titled Son of Jolene, one of the last artists to work with Dali Parton. And Bells joins me now. I really appreciate your time. I guess just to start your reaction today we were talking during the break I was just watching the video you posted uh on your social media the two of you sitting there Dolly Parton giving you career advice which is just like remarkable but how what's your kind of how are you feeling today uh yeah I mean it's it's definitely you know heartbreaking devastating news Dolly has had more of an impact on my life than I can even express I you know I'm just kind of a girl from Nebraska.

27:36I grew up loving Dolly and never in a million years thought moving to Nashville that I would get to meet with her and work with her on a song. It's just been incredible. And today I was actually doing a radio interview talking about the song and talking about how much I loved Dolly when the news broke. So it was definitely surreal for sure. Can you recount like how this actually came to be? Because I don't think when you initially sat down to write it, you were thinking that this would turn into something that you would actually, you know, be shooting a video or have her on the song with you. How did it reach this point?

28:10Yeah, absolutely not. I wrote this song. I was on tour in my opening act. His mom's name was Jolene. So I got this idea to write this song about the son of Jolene. And I wrote this that next week with two of my best friends in Nashville. And it was actually my publisher who got the song to Dolly's longtime producer, Kent Wells. and Kent played the song for Dolly and it turns out that she loved the song so much that she wanted to sing on it and be a part of it with me which was totally crazy and changed my life in so many ways. What do you want people to remember about Dolly Parton's impact not just on you but on kind of country music writ large?

28:53You know I think what's really been hitting me today is just her generosity in so many ways. Even just sharing her voice and her talents with me, this girl she didn't even really know just because she loved the song. She liked the songwriting and so many of her foundations. And I just am the biggest Dolly fan. And I just think her generosity is just unlike anyone else in this world, truly. Buzz, I really appreciate your time. I know this is a tough day for everybody. I would highly recommend folks go watch this video of Dolly Parton giving music advice to younger artists. It's just, it's remarkable and says everything about her.

29:31Thank you so much for your time. Thank you for having me. I want to bring in now Tennessee Republican Congresswoman Diane Harshbarger, who represents the 1st District, home to Dollywood and to Pigeon Forge. Congresswoman, I really appreciate your time. Just your reaction today when you heard of Dolly Parton's passing. Well, we lost a superstar, but we lost one of our own. And when you say the iconic name Dolly, everybody in East Tennessee knows who you're speaking about. And it's a sad day because she she never forgot where she came from and she never forgot where her roots are. And that's right here in the first district of Tennessee in Sevier County.

30:14One of the things I was telling you during the break, my wife's from Tennessee. We've done the pilgrimage with our kids to Dollywood, which, by the way, is amazing. as a parent of four children I don't often say trips anywhere are amazing but then it's absolutely worth it a lot of people like to say that they don't forget where they're from or they care about where they're from you go to East Tennessee and like every she touched everything I explained to people like what that meant to the community oh well you know she took a little theme park and it was a silver dollar city as that's what I remember when I grew up and she turned that into a theme park where people from around the world would come and it opened it up to 23 ,000 jobs and 1.8 billion in economic impact in our community, in her hometown.

31:04It's just, she's helped in so many ways. If you remember the wildfires in Gatlinburg in 2016, she started a fund for those and gave people$1 ,000 a month for six months with no questions asked if you lost your home. And she helped with Hurricane Helene that devastated this district. And she showed up with a million dollar check. The woman just, she kept giving and she still has relatives that live there. And I was at the Moonshine Run a couple of weeks ago with Richard Petty and Dolly Parton's niece and the Moonshiners. And I'm like, you just, these people know who she is. They know what kind of person she is.

31:41She sounds like me. We're both from East Tennessee, for goodness sakes. And you can't change who we are. That's just what it is. It's Tennessee values. And if anything, she was so apolitical. She did not want to be on one side or the other. And that made people love her. And being genuine and authentic, people gravitated toward her and they loved her. And she was an icon then. She'll be an icon now. And I just hate that we've lost her. But you can't forget Dolly, no matter what. So she's in a much better place with her husband now. And she sang a lot of songs about her faith. And we'll just, we'll miss her.

32:24There's no question. But to your point, I always thought the most amazing thing about her, and there's like 700, a list of 700 things that would be on the list of amazing things about her, was her ability to transcend the kind of the moment culturally, the moment politically. Like even today in the world that you and I live in when you're down in Washington. I don't know that I remember a moment where everyone was on the same exact page, just wanting to remember an icon and sharing, regardless of where you're from or who you support or any of that type of stuff, like everyone loved Dolly. Why do you think that was?

32:59Well, because she remained true to who she was. She was genuine. She was a genuine person. She was authentic as all get out and nothing could sway her. She loved the people from her community, and she wanted to take care of everybody. And the stories, you know, I grew up watching her with Porter Wagner on the Grand Ole Opry and on the Porter Wagner show. And, you know, I knew her as Dolly with the short hair before all the wigs and things. And, you know, it's funny that she grew up so poor, and I can relate to that, you know, personally. And in the people in my district, there's so many good, salt-of-the-earth people here and she loved them and she'll always be remembered by these people no matter what.

33:41But if you're genuine and you're authentic, I'm telling you, people will gravitate towards you. And if you're honest and if you do help, you know, that's the way we should be in Congress, for heaven's sakes. Don't throw bombs. Don't call names. You got to work with people to for the common good. And that's what she did. She didn't ask you where you were from or what color you were or how much money you had, she helped you. And that's what we all ought to strive to do. Never forgot where she was from and very clearly never wanted to. Republican Congresswoman Diana Harshberger from Tennessee, thank you so much for sharing your memories.

34:16Yes, sir, my pleasure. We want to show you the scene outside Dolly Parton's home right now in Brentwood, Tennessee. Memorial to the Queen of Country Music is growing. We'll be back in a moment. Hey, Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local croc store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up. It shows off. First day fits. Handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest croc store today. For 23 years we've had this program going, but it's only been in the last several years as it's done so great.

35:05But the fact that we have kids that are in college now, or kids that are married and have little kids of their own now, it's really amazing to get a letter from somebody like that. That was legendary. Philanthropist and musician just put legendary in front of like 15 different things. That's Dolly Parton talking about the legacy of her children's literacy program at the Library of Congress in 2018. The Imagination Library gifts free books to children around the world inspired by her father's inability to read. My panel joins me now. We were just talking. This wasn't necessarily what everybody planned to be talking about on a national news, cable news show.

35:43And yet what's so remarkable about her, Mike Dupke, is that the kind of unified response today. Yeah. Of transcending the usual politics and cultural BS and all type of stuff. Why? Left and right. Well, I so my wife, I told her I was going in and talking this as a boy from Buffalo. I was indoctrinated with steel magnolias because my wife's from Kentucky. So that's part of this. But she, you know, she had a line and I don't know if she stole this or where she got this from. But she said Dolly Parton built institutions. She didn't just lend her name to any charity. So the Imagination Library, my son who's down in Arkansas said, you got to talk about that, dad.

36:22I mean, she really crossed all the lines and it was nonpartisan. So the institution she built, she very much, I think, was conscious about keeping the politics out of it. And the poll numbers, again, I'm a politico, so I was looking this up. I mean, her fave, unfave, she was a plus 65. She was the only public persona in America to score over 50 percent. That's crazy. That's nuts. I mean, most of the politicians you interview would die for those numbers. So she is, she just really kind of crossed all the lines here. And everyone had a good feeling about her. As we were joking, there were 5 % that had unfavorable rating of her.

37:05And we are going to fine those people. We need to get rid of them. Whatever their issues are, they need to figure out a way to deal with them. Kurt, you've got the Daily Country Music tip shoot. Morning Hangover. Talk to people about Dolly Parton's legacy in country music. I feel like she infused everything at this point. Yeah, and again, it's so vast because you have the artistry of it, the longevity of her career, the relevancy that spanned four, five, six decades of Dolly Parton. The way that she's mentored the next generation of country music artists, especially female artists. She has invested in Lainey Wilson and the Ella Langley's and the Kelsey Ballerini's.

37:38Like all these new artists, one that you had on earlier, Bells, who just did a song, a sequel to Jolene, if you will. that level of input from someone who is so respected, who even established stars with Grammys on her shelves, gets starstruck when she walks in the door and she always went out of her way to try to pave the way for that next generation of artists. You don't see that oftentimes where the old veterans, if you will, really give a crap about the next guys coming up. They see them as competition. They try to hold them back. They want to take your spot. She never did that. She was the most approachable, inviting, kind.

38:10They always say never meet your heroes, but in country music with Dolly Parton, She's that exception because she is exactly how you would hope she would be in real life. It's not an act. It's not a gimmick. It's authentic. And that's why she's so wildly beloved for the sociopathic 5 % of people. Yeah, we have issues with them. We're going to figure that we're going to find those people. Scott, Dolly Parton won the Kennedy Center Award in 2006, one of the most prestigious lifetime achievement awards ever. The Kennedy Center dealing with some stuff right now, I think, to say the least. When I think about it, though, like, Dolly Parton, that award transcends whatever's happening right now.

38:45Is that fair? It was 20 years ago. It feels like a lifetime ago, though. Was it really 20 years ago? When you talk about the Kennedy Center, it feels like several lifetimes ago because it was a different moment where that was a distinctively unifying thing. She was side by side with Steven Spielberg. She was introduced by Reba McEntire and Reese Witherspoon, who at the time was on top of the world with Walk the Line, the movie. And it was a celebration of the person devoid of politics. It would be wonderful to get back to the Kennedy Center devoid of politics. Mike, you mentioned that she's unifying.

39:14I couldn't agree more. And it was exemplified today, Phil, when the Republican governor of Ohio and the Democratic governor of Kentucky both lowered their flags in honor of Dolly Parton. And here in Washington, we've all spent time on the Hill. She was invoked for so many legislative efforts, including music tourism to support that, to champion that, on secondary ticket sales to crack down on that. And even music licensing, they invoked her experience with I'll always love you as she made more money than Whitney Houston made covering it. Maybe they've got to readjust the economics of that. Both were deserving.

39:48She was invoked a lot, I think, because both parties thought she was a North Star. Kurt, you wrote an opinion piece back in 2017. I actually remember this, like your conversion to becoming like a late in life country music fan. I think that passed around a lot of text messages back in the day. You say the energy, kind of what country music brings to things. Her role in that, but also just like the genre itself. Explain your affinity for it. Yeah, there is a vibrancy, an authenticity, and a uniquely positive energy. I remember the first concert I ever went to in 2010. I walked in, had never been to a country music concert in my life, had not spent more than five seconds with country music at all, and I was blown away because you could have people from all demographics, ethics, religion, socioeconomic statuses, political beliefs, demographics, family lineage, coming together and singing a song in unison that somehow connects with them.

40:39And I think the things that Dolly wrote about, sang about, wrote songs for other people, it was the universal language because it was a storytelling device that is uniquely American. And that's why I think country music is so special in this country. It is a uniquely American genre. And Dolly was the best ambassador of that that we could ever hope for. Yeah. Hear, hear. A remarkably talented songwriter. Thank you all. I know this wasn't necessarily what we planned on talking about today, but this was talking about a person this great. It was absolutely worth it. Well, coming up, one of Deli Parton's former personal assistants will join us with her special memories.

41:12I'm taking with me Goodbye Please don't cry Cause we both know That I'm not Hey Chicago Class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up. It shows off. First day fits handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today. This is CNN Breaking News. Welcome to The Lead. I'm Phil Mattingly. In for Jake Tapper. We are following sad breaking news tonight. Legendary musician and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

42:11Her family says she passed away peacefully today at her home in Nashville after a career that spanned decades, philanthropy that touched millions, and a charisma that made her one of the most unifying and beloved stars. And I will always love you. Her family has not released a cause of death. However, Parton had recently said she was dealing with health issues she had neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died last year. Those issues included dizziness and dehydration, leading her doctor to tell her to stop traveling. Tonight, stars, fans around the world paying tribute. President Trump also paying tribute, ordering the flags lowered at the White House moments ago and calling Parton's death a, quote, true loss for millions.

43:00Now, Parton's legacy stretched far beyond country music. With 10 Grammy wins and a Lifetime Achievement Award Oscar and Tony nominations, an Emmy win, more than 100 million albums sold. And of course, inductions into both the country music and rock and roll halls of fame. The latter celebrated with this iconic collaboration. How you can easily take my man, but you don't know what he means to me, Jolie. A small private funeral ceremony will be held for her close family with her nephew adding this. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.

43:45Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister takes a look back at Dolly Parton's long and decorated career and the passion projects she spearheaded outside of music. A beloved country queen known for her vulnerable and poetic lyrics, like in her classic hit Jolene. Jolene, Jolene. Dolly Parton's music was as popular as her bold style, composing and performing booming anthems like 9 to 5 that resonated with office workers everywhere. Pour myself a cup of ambition. She ranks among the most successful country recording artist of all time, with nearly 50 albums and more than 25 number one hits.

44:30A superstar who often sang about her humble small-town Tennessee roots. She made my coat of many colors. that I was so proud of. The fourth of 12 children, she started singing hymns in church. Dolly moved to Nashville after high school graduation, aiming for work as a songwriter. I was just trying to make a living, trying to find what I wanted to do to have my songs recorded. The petite singer modeled her signature style after a woman known for her promiscuity in her hometown. She was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen. I was very impressed by the big hair she had, the lipstick and the nails and the high heel shoe.

45:09Dolly got notice quickly, scoring a recording deal and a regular gig on the Porter Wagner show. You know that was my thing on the mind. Their collaboration lasted seven years. She wrote a song about parting ways with Wagner and it became a smash, first in 1974.

45:31And again, when Whitney Houston recorded it nearly two decades later. Her version of that was spectacular. I always think of it as being our song. Dolly said music made her a crossover success. It was a song that got me everywhere I've ever been. Working nine to five. She wrote the theme to Nine to Five and landed a lead role in the movie. And I shot a whole clean through my purse. Some of her other films include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. There's nothing dirty going on. and Steel Magnolias. Young lady, you've just landed yourself a job. Her many job titles included author, theme park owner, and philanthropist, from setting up a literacy program for impoverished children to funding research for a COVID vaccine.

46:23Vaccine, vaccine, I'm begging of you, please don't hesitate. She stayed low-key about her charity work, insisting she saw herself as a musician first. My music is everything to me, and I just, that is what I grew from. Dolly said her career was shaped by her family, faith, and ambition. God first, me second, and I've been able to maneuver and live my life based on that and use my talent to the best of my ability. Indeed she did, writing an estimated 3 ,000 songs and earning countless awards and honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

47:03An event Dolly dominated, even out rocking the rock stars in 2022.

47:12She released her first rock album at the age of 77 and often collaborated with younger singers. It all helped make Dolly Parton one of America's most beloved artists, with fans and admirers that spanned generations.

47:36generations. Truly an incredible, just unbelievable life feel. And the celebrity tributes are pouring out with the news of Dolly's passing. Everyone from Paul McCartney to her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin and her Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field and singers like like Reba McIntyre, Kelly Clarkson, and Casey Musgraves, who I think sums it up the best. She said, Phil, that the world feels a little less sparkly today. Elizabeth Wagmeister, thank you. I want to bring in Wendy Brokaw, who is not only one of the lead's amazing editorial producers, but I just learned an amazing fact a short while ago.

48:18Years before that, Wendy, you were Dolly Parton's personal assistant. I have a ton of questions. also told you during the break, you're now the coolest colleague I have without any question at all. Let's start with, how did you first come to work with Dolly Parton? Well, straight out of college, I wanted the experience of working on a movie set, and I was able to land a job working as a production assistant on a film called Straight Talk, which was filming in Chicago. I was an LA girl, so I got myself to Chicago, And first day on the set, they assigned me to be Dolly Parton's assistant. And the rest is history.

49:00It was an incredible experience. And I feel super blessed and lucky. Tell people just about dealing with her personally. You can read so much. Everybody has kind of a personal story that they have about Dolly Parton. But your personal stories are with Dolly Parton. What should people know? I mean honestly she had the biggest heart and really cared I mean in Hollywood people you know are impressed if you're you know a celebrity uh so you know on set like hanging out with the co-stars um the producers but she really cared about all the crew members and getting to know intimately every person that she spent time with knowing everyone's names their dogs' names, their kids' names, and just getting to know people.

49:47She had a big heart. She was also really wise. She could size you up pretty immediately and get right to the core of what you were thinking or feeling. And, I mean, she was really special, unique. When production on the movie wrapped, you shared with our colleagues that Dolly gave the crew gifts. Tell us about yours. Well, I'm going to tell you about mine, but I also want to mention one that stood out. She had me, I was in charge of getting all the colleagues that we worked with specialized gifts. And her stand-in, she gave her stand-in a pair of high heel shoes that were dollies and had me turn them into a trophy for her stand-in.

50:39And I thought that was really special. For me, she knew I was going to be flying back to LA when the shoot ended. And she flew me back with her first class. And so that was priceless. That was an amazing experience. What do you do on a flight from Chicago, I would guess, back to LA, sitting first class next to Dolly Parton? you get to really know someone intimately and have those long conversations that you might not have just you know even on the set I mean I had her undivided attention and um we did as I recall I think we had champagne um but I remember asking her um I just there's this one thing that stands out.

51:32I wanted to know how she stayed so skinny. And she shared with me that she would always get a plate of food and she would pile anything on it that she wanted, but then she would move some food off this way and some food off this way. And she would only eat what was there, but she always would save the stuff that she moved off to the side for the angels. So I thought that was really something that stood out that I remember about that plane flight. You've kind of alluded to this by the way you've described your experience, but you said everything people say about Dolly Parton is true. What do you mean?

52:13I mean that she's special. I think I sort of shared that she had the biggest heart and just genuinely cared about everybody that she met, like genuinely wanted to get to know people. Did you guys stay in touch over the years? We did because I ended up meeting the person who would become my husband on that film. So she came to our wedding. She's a huge part of our family lore, the story of our family. My kids know her as Aunt Dolly. We stayed in touch. I went to several concerts and we had some private time together after that as well. But I mean, I had her at my wedding. I mean, that was incredible.

52:59I can't imagine being a guest at a wedding that Dolly Parton just shows up as we're showing pictures right now of you and Dolly Parton, of your family of Dolly Parton. She's beloved. This is like the first day in Washington where I feel like everybody is in agreement on loving an individual before. How do you think she should best be remembered? well as the icon that she is um i would also say that she will be remembered as an incredible singer and songwriter um her lyrics were really personal to her um and And I would say that, you know, she wrote, I will always love you. And I feel like I will always love her.

53:54You know, she wrote that for everybody, but we all will all always love her. I can't express how grateful I am that you'd be able to share your memories. I know this is a tough day for everyone, but especially those like yourself who knew her so personally. Wendy, you're an amazing colleague, but this is another level of awesome. I really appreciate you sharing your memories of Dolly with us. Thanks so much. Thank you. So much more coverage of our breaking news tonight. The legendary Dolly Parton died today at the age of 80. In addition to her musical accomplishments, we're highlighting how she gave back to her home state of Tennessee and her dedication to making sure kids across the country learned how to read.

54:36Another major story tonight, it's the final minutes of voting in South Carolina, where a runoff election is testing the power of a Trump endorsement. We're live on the campaign trail in moments.

54:57In our politics lead, it's the night of runoffs and two key tests for the power of President Trump's endorsement within the Republican Party. In just one hour, polls will close in South Carolina and Georgia, followed by Oklahoma at 8 Eastern time. The highest profile race, of course, is in South Carolina, where Senator Darlene Graham is vying for a full term after being appointed to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham. Will her family name and Trump's backing be enough to defeat Congressman Ralph Norman? Trump urging voters at a Graham rally last week to vote as if he was on the ballot. They say that Trump does great when he's on the ballot, but when he's not on the ballot, his people don't come and they don't vote.

55:39So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot. Just come and vote. Well, Trump's influence will also be tested in Oklahoma's Republican runoff for governor. Trump-backed former state Senator Mike Mazie faces off against Attorney General gender drummond meanwhile in georgia democrats will decide who will finish out the term of the late congressman david scott his daughter marcy or former guinette county school board chair everton blair this race narrowing republicans already thin majority in the house but we of course want to take you to south carolina where cnn's diane gallagher has more on tonight's republican senate runoff diane what are you hearing you know phil the polls close in less in an hour here in South Carolina.

56:24The press is starting to fill the room here at Darlene Graham's watch party in Columbia. And the big question that everybody has about this battle between Darlene Graham and Ralph Norman is will Trump's endorsement and really engaged support for her during this runoff be enough to push Graham over the finish line, despite concerns that many Republicans have about, look, a lack of detail in her platform, that shaky debate that she had a week ago today. And also what one strategist described to me is the fact that they just simply don't know that much about her. Now, of course, Graham's success or failure tonight is going to be viewed as a reflection on President Trump and potentially his continued influence on Republicans in the South.

57:13He's not had the best luck here in South Carolina with these endorsements, and he has gone all in on Darlene Graham. He had an in-person rally that you just played that sound from on Friday. He, of course, had two tele-rallies. And his super PAC, MAGA Inc., has dropped in a rare form so far this cycle, more than$820 ,000 in get-out-the-vote efforts for Graham in this runoff. We talked to voters, though, and what kept coming up to us was experience more than endorsement. I did my research. Ralph Norman is a, you know, he's a fiscal conservative. He's done a lot for South Carolina. Darlene Graham probably doesn't know anything about international affairs.

57:59And she said she'd be a rubber stamp for Trump. And I'm not in for that. Why'd you vote for Darlene? I loved her brother and I love what he stood for. And she's going to be great. Did President Trump's endorsement play any role in your vote? It did. Well, we like what Lindsey Graham represented, and we feel like she's going to do the same thing. We feel like she's going to fit right into his slot.

58:25Now, Phil, South Carolina does have a recount rule if they're within that 1 % that they can request that. We will see how close the final results are tonight once polls close in just a little more than 40 minutes. Busy night ahead. Diane Gallagher, as always, my friend from South Carolina. Thank you very much. So whichever Republican wins will face the Democratic Senate nominee, Dr. Annie Andrews. And Dr. Andrews joins us now. Doctor, really appreciate your time. As you look towards tonight, is there one candidate or the other you would rather face in the general election? No, and thank you so much for having me this evening.

58:59It really does not matter to me which Republican emerges from this runoff. These two Republicans have been spending the past two weeks nationalizing this race around Donald Trump while I've been trying to bring it home, talking to South Carolinians about grocery prices, gas prices, and our broken health care system. People here in South Carolina don't want to be told who to vote for. They want real options on the ballot in November. So while there's so much talk about tonight's election, the real choice for South Carolinians will happen on November 3rd, where they can choose to vote for a pediatrician instead of yet another career politician who really represents everything that's broken in Washington, D.C.

59:37Walk me through your coalition. Like, how do you see the math that gets you to 50 plus one in November? And I ask that based, not dismissively at all, but just based on statewide elections over the course of the last couple of decades, Trump's own electoral victories in the state in the last three presidentials. What is your coalition? Yeah, so we need to turn out Democrats. We need to win over independents. And we need to give permission to moderate Republicans to choose something different, to choose a pediatrician, a doctor over another career politician. And yes, South Carolina is a state that voted for Trump by double digits, but our data continues to suggest that this race is tied regardless of which Republican emerges from this election tonight.

1:00:20This race is tied. We're building a real people-powered movement here. I've been campaigning for over a year in every corner of the state of South Carolina, talking to voters about the problems they're facing, about their grocery prices, about their disdain for this war with Iran and how it relates to high gas prices, about the impending Medicaid budget cuts and what that will do to further devastate access to health care in rural parts of the state. So people are ready for something different. That's what I'm offering. And if people want to learn more about what it could be like to have the first pediatrician in the U.S.

1:00:49Senate, they can go to DrAnnieAndrews.com. What do you say to National Democrats who are skeptical, both on the financial side, but also just in the paying significant attention side to the campaign you're putting together, the race you're going to run in the general. So I'm far more concerned about what the voters are telling me just this past weekend. I was in Myrtle Beach and Conway and Florence and Greenville and Spartanburg walking into rooms full of people, not just Democrats, a lot of Republicans who feel left behind by the current version of the Republican Party and a lot of independents.

1:01:21So what I'm hearing from voters is they're excited to have an option on the ballot in November. They're ready for something different. This is the change election cycle. Darlene Graham has no political experience and she lacks the preparedness to do the job. And on the other hand, Ralph Norman, it would be near 80 years old at the end of this freshman term. He is a Freedom Caucus leader. He is a career politician who is asking for a promotion for a job he's objectively failing at right now. You mentioned change election. We hear that a lot. I've heard it a lot when I've been out in the country covering various races.

1:01:52How much of what you're hearing is distaste with the current administration, with the current president versus they just don't like anyone? I mean, everybody's pretty turned off by what's happening in Washington, D.C., and I'll be the first to admit that Washington, D.C. is broken, and that is not just one political party's fault, which is why we need to elect people who come from different professional backgrounds who aren't seeking to be career politicians, which I am not. I will not be a rubber stamp for any president or any political party. All we've seen and heard from Darlene Graham is that she will be a rubber stamp for the Trump agenda.

1:02:27And we've seen the same from Ralph Norman. I hear people talking about him being a fiscal conservative. He voted for Trump's budget bill that added$4 trillion to the debt. So he is not fiscally conservative. People want the truth from their elected officials. They want honesty. They want a fighter. And that's what I'm offering. Democratic nominee for South Carolina Senate, Dr. Annie Andrews, thanks so much for your time. Thank you. Well, Dolly Parton's contributions went far beyond the world of music. Up next, we're exploring how she gave back to Tennessee after rising from humble beginnings and inspired all of us, including in this Netflix interview.

1:03:03You are enough, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't worth your time. You got this. Yes, I'm talking to you. Other people didn't always believe in me, and in those times, I had to believe in myself. Plus, nothing's better than proving people wrong.

1:03:30We're back with our pop culture lead and our breaking news coverage of the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton. Tributes pouring in for the legendary musician and philanthropist who died today in her home in Nashville. She was 80 years old. For decades, she captivated people's attention and, of course, their hearts with her southern twang, witty charm, hit songs, and more than anything else, her generosity. Parton rose from humble beginnings, becoming one of the biggest stars, but never forgetting where she came from, Sevier County, Tennessee. In 1986, she bought a theme park in Pigeon Forge, renaming it Dollywood, turning it into Sevier County's largest employer, providing more than 20 ,000 jobs and generating around$1.8 billion annually.

1:04:13In 1988, she created the Dallywood Foundation, aimed at curbing high school dropout rates in her home county. Parton personally pledged to give$500 to every 7th and 8th grade student if they graduated from high school. She formed the Imagination Library, which has grown into one of the premier early literacy efforts and book gifting programs in the world. And aside from multiple scholarship donations and programs, Parton also mobilized over the years after natural disasters affected both her home state and surrounding areas. Joining us now to discuss Parton's impact in our home county is city manager and former mayor of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, David Ware.

1:04:51David, I'm so grateful for your time. I can't imagine what you, what the community are kind of going through right now with Dolly Parton's passing. How are you guys? We're doing okay. We're just like she was, Super County tough. We're a tough group of people, but resilient, just as she was. First of all, let me just say real quick, our love and prayers go out to the Parton and Owen family. Their loss today is huge, and I can't imagine what they're feeling. So our love and prayers go out to them and to the folks at Dollywood, her theme park, and the folks that she has interacted with, her fans all over the world.

1:05:27She was worldwide, and we couldn't be more proud to have an ambassador like Dolly. I was trying to explain to somebody earlier today, you go to East Tennessee, you go into Sevier County. like everything is Dolly Parton. She touched everything and not in like an overt in your face like I want all the recognition. It was just she was everywhere and everything. Am I characterizing that correctly? You are. So she was like I said larger than life and here in Sevier County when she opened went from Silver Dollar City to Dollywood and put her name on that theme park. That was her goal is to employ her people.

1:06:04She always referred to us mountain folks here in Sevier County as my people. And she lived it, not just with her investment there in Dollywood, but also, as you mentioned in your intro, all the philanthropic things that she had her hands in. Every time there was something that we needed help with as a community, she was always there, especially the wildfires in 2016. She came in huge, changed the trajectory of our recovery, not just emotionally and our well-being, but also our economy. She has made an impact on this world, but none as much as here in Spirk County. Do you have a favorite personal story or anecdote?

1:06:42I feel like everybody in the community met her, talked with her, ran into her, had some type of interaction with some element of her generosity. What do you think about? I think a thousand stories that I probably shouldn't tell because she wouldn't want me to, but she would probably get a kick out of it. Like I said, just hearing her interviews with so many people throughout the years, you know her wit. And you know her sense of humor. But, you know, a couple of things that stick out in your intro. You mentioned the the buddy program. And I was one of those recipients back in back in the day that got money for graduating high school, me and my buddy.

1:07:17So it was pretty amazing that I got to see that early on. And then also when I got involved in city government and got to work with her on a personal level, it just made it even more special. But one story that really sticks out to me, and I don't know if I'm going to tell it very well, but my daughter, she was very young. and we used to have a homecoming parade in Pigeon Forge, and Dolly was the Grand Marshal every year. And we get some time to meet and talk with Dolly. And again, my daughter being young, just thought of her as a special friend. Years later, my daughter grew up a little bit. Dolly did a concert here at our local LeConte Event Center, and she turned to my wife and said, are all these people here to see Dolly?

1:07:55She had no idea that Dolly was as famous as she was because that's not how she knew her. She knew Dolly as her special friend. which is the kind of person she was. She was larger than life on stage and as a performer. But if you got a chance to talk to her face to face, one on one, she was as real as they got. That's such a that's such a great story and such a great window into the woman, not just kind of the famous, terrific and absolutely everything she did person that we all seem to know publicly. Last thing before I let you go, for people who don't know much about your community, don't know much about Sevier County.

1:08:30We've all tried to explain Dolly Parton's impact on the area, on the community. What would you want people to know about it? About this area? Well, we're here just like Dolly. We're welcoming and loving to all. We want people to come and enjoy our mountain home. We are heavy in hospitality, and that's what we're good at, just as she was good at it. And we give to our neighbor, and we love each other, and we're very faithful people. And I think that those things ring true to her as well. I've said it a couple times, traveling with four young kids, not ideal, but our trip to Dollywood and to your neck of the woods was absolutely outstanding.

1:09:09I can't recommend it more highly. City manager, former mayor of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, David Ware, thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it. Thanks for the opportunity. Well, a growing list of tributes tonight after Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. From one icon to another, Elton John writing, shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing, a giant of an artist, unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart. Much more on the tributes next.

1:09:41We're back with our pop lead and we're looking at the life and legacy of music icon Dolly Parton. Parton wasn't just a country music legend. She was a philanthropist, actress, businesswoman, familywoman, just an absolute legend of just about everything. My next guest spent years researching Parton's life and career to create the award-winning podcast Dolly Parton's America. Shima Olialli joins me now. And Shima, I guess one of the things I've been trying to grapple with all day is like, why, why, why? Why was she just so, like, everyone loved her, and across everything she worked on, there was like a unifying view that she was just great.

1:10:20Am I simplifying this too much? No. Actually, that is kind of one of the impossible feats of her life. While gaining so much stature and so much success, it seems that, you know, she very much kept at the center of her ethos that she would do right by people, no matter what was going on, no matter how big, like how big an event was or a concert performance. She was very in tune with the everyday moment to moment interactions with the people around her. So she was quick, you know, quick-witted too. If, you know, someone were to like make a crack, crack a joke at her or at her expense and she was fast to fire back, but she was very aware of each moment of the person in front of her.

1:11:11I feel like she saw people as if they were an entire universe to themselves. And she treated people with that kind of respect, even when they didn't disagree. I think she, she would pray as she said that she would pray. And I think that kind of spiritual stance is what defined her music, it defined her philanthropy, it defined Dollywood, it defined all of the books that she wrote and including the 300 million books that she gave to children around the world. What most surprised me about her besides the fact that she would work around the clock is that she would wake up each morning and pray and then that is what led her to songwrite.

1:11:57That's what led her to think about what she could do for others while she was alive. And even when she considered this moment that we knew would one day come, what she would leave behind when she was no longer here. I think she was very attuned to her mission and her mission was very much almost like a godmother of the people. And that's not easy to live every day. It's easy to say in words, much harder to like walk the walk and even in the tiniest things like sending faxes to people thanking them um she she changed so many lives she changed my life it's because she called she called uh my boss and said I like that Sheena girl and I was I was on to like produce the rest of the interviews that um I did I completed with her for the next two years to complete the podcast series I made.

1:12:50Elaborate on that, like her role in your life, your personal interactions with her, like what, explain to people what that meant, what always stood out to you. So even when there was like a dinner party and, you know, the awkward interactions of people, you know, she would host these gatherings at premieres or other events where people just, you know, broke bread together. And it was a lot of different people were coming in contact with her life and orbiting around her. And so a lot of us were, you know, the odd ones at the table. She was very aware of every single person in the room. And she was very aware of what people needed.

1:13:33She, you know, even though she is working around the clock and, you know, there are so many people that work for her, she would make sure that you ate, that you were sleeping. How are you doing? How is your family? And she meant it when she asked you. And I think that that was like tiny moments of really making sure she's doing right by everyone and really seeing people. it helped her write the profound music that she wrote, especially music from the working class perspective, regular people, the poor, from women before they had the same legal rights that they came to have and then lost again.

1:14:14She would always think about who is suffering and how can I help transmit their voice to the world so people can understand them better. But she also did that in everyday interactions. Remarkable. I like the godmother reference. I think that's great. And if that's the mission, that's a heavy weight to carry. Mission accomplished without any question. Shima, I'm really grateful for your time. I know this is a very heavy day for you and everyone. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Well, tomorrow has been declared a day of mourning in Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly Parton's home county officials there saying, quote, Sevier County has lost a beloved friend, an extraordinary neighbor, and an icon whose legacy will forever be part of the story of our community.

1:14:59Much more on Dally Parton Ahead.

1:15:10In our health lead, a new study is putting football's brain injury crisis back into the spotlight. Researchers found at least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE. The disease, of course, is linked to repeated hits to the head and can only be confirmed after death. Symptoms can include memory loss, mood changes, impulse control, problems, anxiety, and depression. Joining me now is Dante Stallworth, former NFL wide receiver who played 10 seasons in the league. And Dante, I have to start. You're a UT guy, we can tell by the tie. Dolly Parton, we're all thinking about it today.

1:15:44You met her. Yeah, I was able to meet her when I was in Knoxville. It was during the summer, about 12, 13 years ago. She was having a concert there, and, you know, Dolly was just the light of the universe. She treated everyone with dignity and respect, and, you know, one of the things that I appreciated most about her was that she spoke openly about inclusivity, but she also led with love and humility. And that's, you know, she was a big—she grew up right down the street from Knoxville, so she's a big Vols fan, and the Vols nation is hurting tonight along with everyone else. Yeah. We can talk about this a lot.

1:16:19I do want to switch topics there because this new study today, we've seen numbers come out on this issue repeatedly over the years. What do you think when you see these numbers? It's disturbing. It's a little scary because I played in the era where there was no talk of concussions. The nomenclature around concussions was taken very lightly back then. But now I think a lot of things have changed in the last 10, 15 years. and the NFL has really made some strides, but also, you know, with concussion protocols and the guardian caps, being able to wear those at practice and even in the games, those things would have never happened 15, 20 years ago.

1:16:58But it's a sobering reminder, I think, too, that this game that we love and that we all know, there are physical consequences that come with playing this game. But I think now that we're moving forward in time, I think that the NFL has really done a lot but there's always more that can be done, and we're going to keep pressing them as former players to do more. Your generation, we're the same generation, generation of players looking back, most of whom have retired, do you think about specific hits or specific moments and think like, oh, when you see these numbers, this isn't great? Yeah, I think a lot of players do, and I think one of the things too is that a lot of the players don't really want to talk about it.

1:17:42And, you know, I think that's attributed to our mentality when we were playing. We were taught, we were trained to never show any physical or mental weakness because you don't want your opponent to see any weakness. And I think that a lot of the times that gets carried off of the field, too, and not just off of the field, but with us throughout our lives. And so the good thing, though, is that, you know, like I said, the nomenclature has changed about concussions and everything that we talk about, the way we talk about concussions and the way we talk about brain health in general, I think has changed.

1:18:12And so that hopefully will enable more players to be able to speak freely and speak openly about the concussions and any issues that they're having. I'm a dad. I've got two sons. Grew up playing football. Very formative experience, not nearly as high a level as you did. It's a battle with my wife. Are the boys playing tackle football? What do you think? You know, that's tricky. I think a lot of former players, like I say, I don't have any kids, but a lot of former players are really not allowing their younger kids to play tackle football anymore. or they're playing flag football and getting them in that team mentality where they can kind of work within football but not necessarily tackle until they get to high school.

1:18:48So I think that the research behind that is there for you to see it for yourself. And if I had kids, I wouldn't let my young kids play tackle football, but I think the older they get, high school, obviously college, I think it's okay. If you're willing to understand the risks and the consequences that come with that. When do you think they should start playing? That's a good question. Honestly, I would say a lot of former players that I played with, guys that have kids, they didn't let their kids start playing tackle football until high school. I would say probably high school. Learn the basics first.

1:19:26Exactly. Really appreciate you. Big fan. Thanks so much for coming in. Dante Stallworth. We could talk about Dolly Parton all day. We have for much of the day. But perhaps one of the best ways to honor her is to let you hear from Dolly herself. Dolly, in her own words, in that one-of-a-kind voice that we'll always remember. That's next.

1:19:48Welcome back. We want to let you hear Dolly Parton's words about her music, charity, and legacy before we say goodbye tonight. But I think people early on saw that I was serious about my work and that I was serious about what I thought I could do. Dolly Parton shared time and again throughout the years about why she thought her career took off, overcoming the obstacles of her eastern Tennessee upbringing and being a woman in country music from her earliest performance on The Porter Wagner Show. Just because I'm blonde, don't think I'm dumb, because this dumb blonde ain't nobody's fool. To a now famous interview on 60 Minutes.

1:20:30Well, I certainly got hit on a lot, and a lot of men thought I was as silly as I looked, I guess. You know, I look like a woman, but I think like a man. And in this world of business, that has helped me a lot, because by the time they think that I don't know what's going on, I done got the money and gone. Her star shone bright throughout Nashville and beyond. To Hollywood, here she is telling Howard Stern the innovative way she wrote the now-famous title track for the movie 9 to 5. I would watch whatever was going on, and I would just be like, you know, because I couldn't get a guitar out on the set.

1:21:04So I would just kind of, you've got to have acrylic nails to make that real percussive sound. But I would just, I thought it sounded like a typewriter. Can you hear that? Yeah. Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living. A familiar technique for the glamorous dolly. Oh, books, books. I love books. the way they feel and smell and look. From my first look, I was hooked on books, books, books. After the creation of her imagination library in 1995, she told NBC that country music queen was no longer her favorite moniker. It was the book lady for a reason that hit close to home. My dad was the smartest person I ever knew, but he couldn't read and write, and that always bothered me and troubled me.

1:21:51So I wanted to do something so my dad could be proud to help me with it and daddy got to live long enough for to hear the kids call me the book lady and he was as proud of that as me being a star home stayed at the root of her charity work and her lasting legacy in tennessee dollywood i'm very involved in everything that goes on to dollywood i've always loved being part of that and they always make me feel real welcome and that is necessary for me to be involved. I don't want to just put my name on something and not be involved. Now, Dolly told our Jake Tapper in 2022 what she would tell her younger self about her career, if she could do it all again.

1:22:32Looking back, I would just say, girl, you better buckle up because this is you're in for the ride of your life. One heck of a life indeed. May Dolly's memory be a blessing. You can follow the show on X and Instagram at The Lead CNN. If you ever Watch the show on the CNN app. Aaron Burnett out front starts now.

1:22:55Go inside the sports moments that brought us together and made history. From the underdogs to the rivalries and the miracles. It sends chills down your spine. It's what sport was all about. The new CNN original series, Decades in Sports. Now streaming on the CNN app.