When you’re 77 years old, have a career any performer would love to have and are still setting personal records with new music, that not only makes you a legend but something of a unicorn. Dolly Parton‘s “Rockstar” album, out November 17, is setting new records in a career that goes back to her first single in 1959.

So what records could a performer who’s released music in eight different decades still be setting? With the release of “Rockstar,” the album debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (dated December 2), bringing Dolly her first chart-topper in the 32-year history of that particular chart. “Rockstar” also debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200 – Dolly’s highest charting album ever, and her third Top 10 on that chart.

Source: Billboard

Blake Shelton may have walked away from “The Voice,” but he hasn’t walked away from television. Besides hosting his own “Barmageddon” game show, Blake also executive produces a series of films for the Hallmark Channel – and another one is on the way, just in time for the holidays.

“Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” is the fifth movie in a series of films based on Blake’s 2012 holiday tune, “Time For Me To Come Home.” It’s preceded by 2018’s “Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas,” which was followed by “Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas,” “Time for You to Come Home for Christmas” and “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas.” The film stars Chris Carmack, one of the stars of “Nashville,” and Grace Leer, who’s a country singer-songwriter and was a contestant on Season 18 of “American Idol.” The film debuts this Thursday.

We’ve got a brand new movie coming y’alls way!!!! “Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” premieres Thu Nov 30 at 8/7c on @hallmarkmovie!!!! #ComeHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/Tz5S53D3NE

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 22, 2023

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Maren Morris shocked quite a few fans when she hinted she was leaving country music behind. While not explicitly saying she and country music were quits, she certainly alluded to a parting of the ways, and her videos for “The Bridge” and “Get The Hell Out Of Here” were full of breakup imagery. So what’s the real deal?

Maren was on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” when a viewer asked her a question that set her up to answer that question definitively. “Is it true that you are working with (noted pop/rock producer) Jack Antonoff on the next album, and, since you’re leaving country music, can you describe your sound now?”

For the first part of the question, Morris admitted that yes, she was working with Antonoff, as well as several other producers. And for the question about leaving country music, she answered, “I will sort of, like, just clarify, like, I have not left country music, that was, like, the headline, but…I actually – what I said was, I’m just leaving behind the sort of toxic parts of it, and that’s like in any part of the music industry…yeah, I want to take the good parts with me,” adding, “It was a headline, like, ‘click-bait’ that got blown up.”

So that’s Maren’s official story, though it’s worth noting that she’s switched her label imprint home from Nashville to New York, and from country to pop. She’s also on record as saying “I thought I’d like to burn it (country music) to the ground and start over, but it’s burning itself down without my help.” So whether Maren Morris is “leaving” country music may not be the point; the point may be whether country music leaves her.

Tim McGraw is a fortunate man. His decades-long career puts him among the historically elite in country music. Tim recognizes this and yesterday, posted a “thank you” note on Instagram, along with a surprise for his fans.

“In the spirit of being thankful, I’m so grateful for all of you and the ways you have supported me, my family and my music through the years. Here’s a little surprise drop of a few songs you’ve never heard. Enjoy!” And with that, Tim announced the release of a suprise six-song EP, “Poet’s Resumé.” The unexpected music comes just three months after McGraw’s full-length album, “Standing Room Only.”

Poet’s Resumé tracklist:

1. Runnin’ Outta Love
2. Hurt People
3. 20 For 30
4. One Bad Habit
5. Been Around A While
6. Poet’s Resumé

Source: WhiskeyRiff

Lainey Wilson continues to rack up honors. The reigning CMA Entertainer Of The Year was among one of five inductees and three award winners to be celebrated during the 47th Annual Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon and Ceremony that took place last week at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Wilson received the Patsy Montana Entertainer Award, named for 1987 Honoree Patsy Montana. The honor has since been given out to females who work in the entertainment industry and have acted as strong representatives for the traditions of the cowgirl in the fields of film, television, music, writing, and theatre. “It feels like this award recognizes my roots, my family, my growth, and my current chapter,” she posted on Instagram. “I left TX so inspired by the women at @cowgirlmuseum…their strength, impact, and spirit is like no other.”