One incredible woman who left one hell of a legacy. Rest in peace.
The news broke this morning that the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 80.
While Dolly isn't on The Rock's standard playlist, The Morning Rumble took a moment on air to tip their caps to one of the greatest to ever do it.
"You must tip the cap and must show respect to someone that's that much of an icon and legend," Bryce said on air. "She was such a weapon. What she did with her platform and profile to help others always just says so much about those sorts of people."
Born one of 12 children, her parents were so poor they famously paid the doctor in porridge when she was born. From those humble beginnings, she built a career that spanned six consecutive decades of top 20 hits, landing 25 Billboard country number ones, 44 top 10 country albums, 11 Grammys, and a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
She was also a powerhouse songwriter. On a single day in 1973, Dolly wrote both 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You'. When Elvis Presley wanted to cover the latter, his manager Colonel Tom Parker demanded 50 percent of the publishing rights. Dolly stood her ground and refused. Decades later, Whitney Houston's version made her tens of millions in royalties, which Dolly used to heavily invest in a Black neighbourhood in Nashville.
Beyond the music, her heart was huge. Inspired by her dad who never learned to read, her Imagination Library has mailed over 270 million free books to kids. She paid high schoolers cash to stay in school, covered full education tuition for her Dollywood employees, and even secretly entered a Dolly drag lookalike contest once and lost.
"Great song, great memories, great style," said Rog, with Mel adding "Rest in peace, Queen."
A true legend who used her success to pull everyone else up with her. Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.