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.
Alabama Shakes returns with a new album after 11 years and a reunion at a craft brewery gig
NEW YORK (AP) — Alabama Shakes has returned with its first album in 11 years, and craft beer played a big part in their reunion. Singer Brittany Howard was contacted by the co-owner of a brewer to perform and help a local food pantry. This led Howard to reconnect with her bandmates, resulting in their new album, “I Must Be Dreaming,” set to release at the end of the month. The album features love songs and social observations, including the political track “I Feel Hope Coming.” Howard expresses excitement about sharing their work, noting the band's growth and renewed creativity.
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.
Peter Cullen, prolific voice actor who gave Optimus Prime his authoritative baritone, has died
NEW YORK (AP) — Peter Cullen, the iconic voice actor behind Optimus Prime and Eeyore, has died at 85. His agent announced Cullen died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. Cullen's career spanned decades, starting with “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and including roles in “The Smurfs” and “G.I. Joe.” He became a cultural icon as Optimus Prime in “Transformers,” inspired by his brother, a Vietnam War veteran. Cullen's voice resonated in numerous films, including “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” in 2023. Known for his emotional fan interactions, Cullen is survived by four children. His family encourages honoring his legacy with compassion and integrity.
Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across the art world, dies at 97 in Tokyo
TOKYO (AP) — Pioneering Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has died. She was 97. Yayoi Kusama Studio said she died at a hospital in Tokyo on Aug. 14. Kusama splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations around the world. Repetitive motifs were her trademark. They came 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.
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.
Rapper Yung Filly to return to Britain before Australian rape trial next year
PERTH, Australia (AP) — An Australian judge has ruled British rapper Yung Filly can return to Britain before he stands trial in Australia next year. The 31-year-old social media celebrity has been charged with raping a fan two years ago. The Columbian-born entertainer, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, was convicted by a jury in July of assaulting a woman in a Perth hotel room in 2024. The jury acquitted him on three counts of raping her. But prosecutors said last week they would retry him on another three rape charges on which jurors could not agree. Judge Linda Black ruled on Thursday he can return to London.
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.
