Dolly Parton's love of the Great Smoky Mountains helped transform her hometown
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton didn’t just sing about her Tennessee mountain home. She helped transform it. Her deep devotion to rural Sevier County inspired her music and sparked a tourism boom. News of Parton's death has been profoundly personal for her neighbors. Parton was a beloved country music star and Tennessee's favorite daughter. She co-owned Dollywood, Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction, and founded The Dollywood Foundation, which helped reduce high school dropout rates in Sevier County. Her Imagination Library has distributed over 330 million books worldwide. Parton's generosity, especially after the 2016 wildfire, changed lives and shattered Appalachian stereotypes.
Tim Curry, iconic character actor and 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' star, dies at 80
Tim Curry has died at 80. The beloved character actor created a gallery of delicious, loony villains for stage and screen. Curry gained fame as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” an iconic role that became a cultural touchstone. He also played the smug concierge in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” His longtime friend and manager Marcia Hurwitz says he died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. He had suffered a stroke in 2012 that put him in a wheelchair. Curry earned three Tony nominations — for “Spamalot,” “My Favorite Year” and “Amadeus” — and an Emmy nod in 1994.
Britons get the chance to read Jason Arday’s story for themselves as memoir is published in the UK
LONDON (AP) — Britons who saw Professor Jason Arday’s life and death dissected by weeks of headlines covering allegations about his academic qualifications and personal accomplishments can now read his version of the story. Simon & Schuster will on Thursday publish Arday’s memoir “Great and Unfortunate Things,” which tells the story of how an autistic boy who was non-verbal as a child and illiterate until his late teens grew up to be the youngest Black professor in the history of Cambridge University.
Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across art world, dies at 97 in Tokyo
TOKYO (AP) — Pioneering Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations around the world, has died. She was 97. Yayoi Kusama Studio said she died at a hospital in Tokyo on Aug. 14. Repetitive motifs were her trademark, in various shapes, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases, or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations, in all their vibrant psychedelic glory.
Movie Review: What's up, flop? The toon-human hybrid 'Coyote vs. Acme' should've stayed on shelf
"Coyote vs. Acme" is a live-action and animation hybrid that brings Looney Tunes into the courtroom. The film features Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation over its defective products. This concept began as a 1990 New Yorker parody and took decades to develop. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the film stars Will Forte as a personal injury lawyer representing the coyote. The plot unfolds as a battle against corporate greed, with John Cena playing Acme's legal counsel. Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy argues that despite its intriguing premise, the movie struggles with execution, perhaps leaving audiences sympathizing with Warner Bros. for shelving it for several years. The movie hits theaters Friday.
Dolly Parton built a better world, with rhinestones and songs
NEW YORK (AP) — Dolly Parton was a beloved icon whose influence spans music, film and philanthropy. Parton, who died Tuesday, was known for her rhinestone-studded style and quick wit, as she captivated fans across all walks of life. Her music, including hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” has become timeless. Parton grew up in poverty in Tennessee and rose to fame with her unique blend of authenticity and talent. Beyond entertainment, she was a dedicated philanthropist. Her Imagination Library has donated over 200 million books to needy children. Parton's legacy is one of creativity, generosity and unity.
The Dolly Parton you may not know, in her own words
The Associated Press has compiled memorable quotes from Dolly Parton, capturing her candid reflections over the years. In 1979, she expressed surprise at becoming a movie star, despite her ambitions in music. By 1985, she was proud to open Dollywood to preserve Smoky Mountain heritage. In 2004, she vowed never to retire, likening herself to Bob Hope. Parton humorously addressed her honorary doctorate in 2009, joking about her "Double-D" nickname. In 2023, she embraced her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but said she wanted to earn her place by releasing a rock album.
Jaye P. Morgan, a jack-of-all-trades entertainer who was a pop and TV star, dies at 94
NEW YORK (AP) — Jaye P. Morgan, a top female recording artist of the 1950s, has died at 94. Known for hits like “That’s All I Want From You,” she later became a popular talk show guest and game show panelist. Morgan's fame was cemented during her four years on “The Gong Show,” where she infamously exposed herself on air. Born in Colorado, she began her career in a family vaudeville act and later joined Frank De Vol’s orchestra. Her television appearances included “The Tonight Show” and “The Muppet Show.” Morgan was married and divorced three times and is survived by her son.
Judge grants Blake Lively $400,000 of $8M in legal fees she sought in film fight with Justin Baldoni
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge says Blake Lively can have just over $400,000 of the $8 million in legal fees she sought for defending herself against a lawsuit that actor Justin Baldoni lodged against her in response to her lawsuit over the production of their 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Judge Lewis Liman said Wednesday that Lively is entitled to $363,000 in attorneys' fees and $44,000 in expenses. He limited the payout by deciding that a California law meant to compensate sex abuse survivors for the costs of defending against retaliatory lawsuits would only allow legal costs related to defamation claims. Lawyers on both sides claimed victory.
Prosecutors rest in Tupac Shakur murder trial, putting Duane Davis' defense up next
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Prosecutors have rested their case in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, accused in the nearly 30-year-old killing of Tupac Shakur. They called 24 witnesses, including a former Compton gang detective who testified Davis was a high-ranking “shot caller.” Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting in retaliation for a casino brawl involving Shakur and Davis’ nephew. Davis has admitted to being in the car when Shakur was shot but denies ordering the attack. The defense is set to begin Thursday, arguing there is no physical evidence linking Davis to the crime.
