Country Music Icons
A&E Network announced three new country music projects celebrating country music icons Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers with specials premiering this spring. Willie Nelson: American Outlaw premiered Sunday, April 12 at 10/9c and paid tribute to Nelson’s seven-decade long career through emotional performances, interviews and behind the scenes concert footage. Biography: Dolly premiered Sunday, April 12 at 8/7c and explored the life and five-decade career of the songwriter and performer who has influenced generations of country and pop artists. Biography: Kenny Rogers premiered Monday, April 13 at 9/8c and followed Rogers’ journey to country singer, actor, and pop-culture icon. Merle Haggard: Salute to a Country Legend premiered Monday, April 13 at 11/10c and was a one-night-only concert special honoring the music and legacy of Haggard on what would have been his 80th birthday.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a cultural icon whose powerful voice and songwriting skills have established her as a presence on both the country and pop music charts for decades.
Kenny Rogers
Award-winning singer/songwriter Kenny Rogers enjoyed enormous success on both the country and pop charts with hits like "Lucille," "The Gambler" and "Islands in the Stream."
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a country singer-songwriter known for hit songs like "Crazy" and "On the Road Again."
Defining Moments in Country Music
Dolly Parton Was Inspired to Write “9 to 5” After Strumming Her Acrylic Nails
Parton made her film debut in the workplace comedy after costar Jane Fonda told the country singer she could write the movie's theme song.
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' Long-Lasting Friendship
The country superstars and "Islands in the Stream" duet partners shared a "very special relationship" for more than three decades.
Inside Dolly Parton's Private Marriage to Carl Dean
For more than 50 years, the country superstar has been married to a man who prefers to remain out of the spotlight.
Tammy Wynette and George Jones' Rollercoaster Relationship
Despite many ups and downs — including two divorce filings — the pair still recorded some of the best duets in country music history.
How Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson Teamed up for Her Hit Song "Crazy"
The up-and-coming songwriter and country music singer found common ground on a crossover classic that cemented both artists' reputations.
Hank Williams' Daughter Didn't Know That He Was Her Father for Decades
The country singer tragically died five days before his illegitimate daughter, Jett, was born, and it took her more than 20 years to discover his identity.
Waylon Jennings' Close Call on 'The Day the Music Died'
The country star was supposed to be on the plane that crashed and took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper on February 3, 1959.
Why Faith Hill Embarked on a Journey to Meet Her Biological Family
Adopted at birth, the country singer was determined to find her "missing link."
Johnny Cash Described His Love for June Carter as 'Unconditional'. Inside Their Love Story
Immediately drawn to each other, the country singers navigated rocky roads before and throughout their marriage.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s Road to Love, Marriage and Happiness
The reigning king and queen of country music met as struggling unknowns. Decades later they would wed as world-famous entertainers.
How Garth Brooks' Humble Oklahoma Roots Drove Him to Succeed
From hopes of becoming a professional athlete to global success as a country music superstar, Brooks has kept true to his parents’ ideals of dreaming big but staying realistic.
Tim McGraw Didn't Meet His Dad Tug Until He Was 11. Inside Their Complicated Relationship
The country singer and the baseball pitcher found their peace and forged a genuine bond despite Tug's longtime refusal to acknowledge paternity.
The Devastating Plane Crash that Killed Reba McEntire's Band
The early hours of March 16, 1991, brought the terrible news that those close to the singer perished when their plane collided with a mountain.
Why Dolly Parton Has Devoted Her Life to Helping Children Read
Inspired by her father's inability to read, the country singer founded the Imagination Library to help kids develop a love of books and reading.
Why Loretta Lynn Stood by Her Husband Despite His Cheating and Violent Behavior
The country singer's marriage was impacted by fights and her husband's extramarital affairs, but nothing could erase her love for the man she married.
Shania Twain: The Surprising Inspiration Behind “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
The fun and frivolous turn-of-the-century Billboard Hot 100 hit song found its roots in gender-bending and drag.
Luke Bryan's Sister Passed Away Suddenly, So He and His Wife Adopted Their Nieces and Nephew
Unimaginable tragedies in the country singer's life led him to open his heart and expand his family.
Inside Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn's Instantaneous and Unbreakable Bond
While they only knew each other for less than two years, the country singers formed a friendship that would last a lifetime.
The Surprising Connection Between Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton
The country singer almost "wrecked the car" when she heard the vocal powerhouse's 1992 version of "I Will Always Love You" — a song that Parton penned in 1973.
Johnny Cash: 10 Things You Might Not Know About the Country Icon
The "Man in Black" was a bundle of contradictions.