American actress and activist with six decades in film and public life
Dolly Parton has died at age 80. The Tennessee-born superstar rose from poverty to become a global icon in music, film and philanthropy. Her career spanned seven decades, marked by hit songs, blockbuster roles, and a lasting legacy in literacy and charity.
An AI-generated feature by Ash Koosha has screened at Tribeca, using AI tools to render a full production with no traditional cast. Koosha says AI enabled independence and speed, while acknowledging limits and risks for conventional filmmaking and employment. The project memorializes Iranian protesters and raises broader questions about the future of cinema.
Booker Prize Foundation launches All Around the World, a short story collection by Booker winners and nominees to widen access to reading. The collection accompanies the Quick Reads program, with 12,000 copies donated and free digital access, addressing barriers such as time, cost, and representation.
The Secret Service has reported about 10,000 threatening cases against government officials so far in 2026, a roughly 40% rise from last year, and directors say the threat environment is at its highest level. Agencies are tightening security, investigating more mental-health cases and deploying new technology ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Dolly Parton has died at age 80 in Nashville, her publicist has said. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, has announced the news on Instagram. Parton has sold more than 100 million records, written thousands of songs including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," and has donated millions through the Imagination Library.