American artist and public figure in the news cycle
Beyoncé has released a new track, Morning Dew (Donk), marking the start of a 60-day countdown to her birthday and the 20th anniversary reissue of B’DAY. The song is credited to Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, and will feature on the 20th-anniversary edition of B’DAY. A lyric video accompanies the release.
Dolly Parton has died after a brief battle with cancer, aged 80. Her family confirms the death and reflects on a career that defined country music and philanthropy, including Dollywood and the Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s death has triggered a global spike in streams of her discography. Luminate reports a 2,109% US surge on the day of passing and a 1,280% worldwide rise, with “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “Islands in the Stream” among the top performers.