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The Lead with Jake Tapper

Dolly Parton Dies At 80; Tonight, Three States Count Election Runoff Votes; Trump To Midterm Voters: Pretend, Please, That I'm On The Ballot; Study: 1 In 4 Former NFL Players Suffered From Brain Disease; Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies At 80. Aired 6-7p ET

Aired August 25, 2026 - 18:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

PHIL MATTINGLY, CNN HOST: Welcome to The Lead. I'm Phil Mattingly, in for Jake Tapper.

We are following sad breaking news tonight. Legendary musician and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her family says she passed away peacefully today at her home in Nashville after a career that spanned decades, philanthropy that touched millions, and a charisma that made her one of the most unifying and beloved stars.

[18:00:08]

The family has not released a cause of death. However, Parton had recently said she was dealing with health issues she had neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died last year. Those issues included dizziness and dehydration, leading her doctor to tell her to stop traveling.

Tonight, stars, fans around the world paying tribute. President Trump also paying tribute, ordering the flags lowered at the White House moments ago and calling Parton's death a, quote, true loss for millions.

Now, Parton's legacy stretched far beyond country music, with ten Grammy wins and a Lifetime Achievement Award, Oscar and Tony nominations, an Emmy win, more than 100 million albums sold, and, of course, inductions into both the country music and rock & roll halls of fame. The latter celebrated with this iconic collaboration.

A small private funeral ceremony will be held for her close family, with her nephew adding this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister takes a look back at Dolly Parton's long and decorated career and the passion projects she spearheaded outside of music. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice over): A beloved country queen known for her vulnerable and poetic lyrics, like in her classic hit, Jolene.

Dolly Parton's music was as popular as her bold style, composing and performing booming anthems like 9 to 5 that resonated with office workers everywhere.

She ranks among the most successful country recording artists of all time with nearly 50 albums and more than 25 number one hits, a superstar who often sang about her humble small town Tennessee roots.

The 4th of 12 children, she started singing hymns in church. Dolly moved to Nashville after high school graduation, aiming for work as a songwriter.

DOLLY PARTON, SINGER-SONGWRITER: I was just trying to make a living, trying to find what I wanted to do to have my songs recorded.

WAGMEISTER: The petite singer modeled her signature style after a woman known for her promiscuity in her hometown.

PARTON: She was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen. I was very impressed by the big hair she had, the lipstick and the nails, and the high-heel shoes.

WAGMEISTER: Dolly got noticed quickly, scoring a recording deal and a regular gig on The Porter Wagoner Show.

Their collaboration lasted seven years. She wrote a song about parting ways with Wagoner, and it became a smash, first in 1974, and, again, when Whitney Houston recorded it nearly two decades later.

PARTON: Her version of that was spectacular. I always think of it as being our song.

WAGMEISTER: Dolly said music made her a crossover success.

PARTON: It was a song that got me everywhere I've ever been.

WAGMEISTER: She wrote the theme to 9 to 5, and landed a lead role in the movie.

PARTON: And I shot a hole clean through my pride.

WAGMEISTER: Some of her other films include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

PARTON: Well, young lady, you've just landed yourself a job.

WAGMEISTER: Her many job titles included author, theme park owner, and philanthropist, from setting up a literacy program for impoverished children, to funding research for a COVID vaccine.

She stayed low-key about her charity work, insisting she saw herself as a musician first.

PARTON: My music is everything to me, and I just -- that is what I grew from.

WAGMEISTER: Dolly said her career was shaped by her family, faith, and ambition.

PARTON: God first, me second, and I've been able to maneuver and live my life based on that, and use my talent to the best of my ability.

WAGMEISTER: Indeed, she did, writing an estimated 3,000 songs and earning countless awards and honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and enshrinement in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an event Dolly dominated, even out-rocking the rock stars in 2022.

She released her first rock album at the age of 77 and often collaborated with younger singers.

[18:05:03]

It all helped make Dolly Parton one of America's most beloved artists, with fans and admirers that spanned generations.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WAGMEISTER (on camera): Truly an incredible, just unbelievable life, Phil.

And the celebrity tributes are pouring out with the news of Dolly's passing. Everyone from Paul McCartney to her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin, and her Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field, and singers like Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Kacey Musgraves, who I think sums it up the best. She said, Phil, that the world feels a little less sparkly today.

MATTINGLY: Elizabeth Wagmeister, thank you.

I want to bring in Wendy Brokaw, who is not only one of The Lead's amazing editorial producers, but I just learned an amazing fact a short while ago.

Years before that, Wendy, you were Dolly Parton's personal assistant. I have a ton of questions. I also told you during the break, you're now the coolest colleague I have without any question at all. Just let's start with how did you first come to work with Dolly Parton?

WENDY BROKAW, CNN EDITORIAL PRODUCER: Well, straight out of college, I wanted the experience of working on a movie set, and I was able to land a job working as a production assistant on a film called Straight Talk, which was filming in Chicago.

I was an L.A. girl. So, I got myself to Chicago. And first day on the set, they, you know, assigned me to be Dolly Parton's assistant, and the rest is history. It was an incredible experience, and I feel super blessed and lucky. MATTINGLY: Tell people just about dealing with her person -- you can read so much. Everybody has kind of a personal story that they have about Dolly Parton, but your personal stories are with Dolly Parton. What should people know?

BROKAW: I mean, honestly, she had the biggest heart and really cared. I mean, in Hollywood, people, you know, are impressed if you're, you know, a celebrity. So, you know, on set, like hanging out with the co- stars, the producers. But she really cared about all the crew members and getting to know intimately every person that she spent time with, knowing everyone's names, their dogs' names, their kids' names, and just getting to know people. She had a big heart.

She was also really wise. Like she could size you up pretty immediately and get to -- right to the core of what you were s- you know, thinking or feeling. And, I mean, it was -- she was really special, unique.

MATTINGLY: When production on the movie wrapped, you shared with our colleagues that Dolly gave the crew gifts. Tell us about yours.

BROKAW: Well, I'm going to tell you about mine, but, you know, I also want to mention one that stood out. She, you know, she had me -- I was in charge of getting all, you know, the colleagues that we worked with specialized gifts. And her stand-in, she gave her stand-in a pair of high-heel shoes that were Dolly's and had me turn them into a trophy for her stand-in, and I thought that was really special.

For me, she knew I was going to be flying back to L.A. when the shoot ended. And she flew me back with her first class. And so that was priceless. That was an amazing experience.

MATTINGLY: What do you do on a flight from Chicago, I would guess, back to L.A., sitting first class next to Dolly Parton?

BROKAW: You get to really know someone intimately and have those long conversations that you might not have just, you know, even on the set. I mean, I had her undivided attention. And we did -- as I recall, I think we had champagne. But I remember asking her -- I just -- there's this one thing that stands out. I wanted to know how she stayed so skinny.

And she shared with me that she would always get a plate of food, and she would, you know, pile anything on it that she wanted, but then she would move some food off this way and some food off this way, and she would only eat what was there, but she always would save the stuff that she moved off to the side for the angels. So, I thought that was really something that stood out that I remember about that plane flight.

MATTINGLY: You've kind of alluded to this by the way you've described your experience, but you said everything people say about Dolly Parton is true. What do you mean?

BROKAW: I mean that she's special. I think I sort of shared that she had the biggest heart and just genuinely cared about, you know, everybody that she met, like genuinely wanted to get to know people.

[18:10:10]

MATTINGLY: Did you guys stay in touch over the years?

BROKAW: We did, because I ended up meeting the person who would become my husband on that film. So, she came to our wedding. She's a huge part of our family lore, the story of our family. My kids know her as Aunt Dolly. We stayed in touch. I went to several concerts. And we had some private time together after that as well. But, I mean, I had her at my wedding. I mean, that was incredible.

MATTINGLY: That I can't imagine being a guest at a wedding that Dolly Parton just shows up. As we're showing pictures right now of you and Dolly Parton, of your family of Dolly Parton, like she's beloved. This is like the first day in Washington where I feel like everybody is in agreement on loving an individual before.

BROKAW: Yes.

MATTINGLY: How do you think she should best be remembered?

BROKAW: Well, as the icon that she is I would also say that she will be remembered as an incredible singer and songwriter. Her lyrics were really personal to her. And I would say that, you know, she wrote I Will Always Love You, and I feel like I will always love her, you know? She wrote that for everybody, but we all will all always love her.

MATTINGLY: I can't express how grateful I am that you'd be able to share your memories. I know this is a tough day for everyone, but especially those like yourself who knew her so personally.

Wendy, you are an amazing colleague, but this is another level of awesome. I really appreciate you sharing your memories of Dolly with us. Thanks so much.

BROKAW: Thank you.

MATTINGLY: So much more coverage of our breaking news tonight. The legendary Dolly Parton died today at the age of 80. In addition to her musical accomplishments, we're highlighting how she gave back to her home state of Tennessee and her dedication to making sure kids across the country learned how to read.

Another major story tonight, it's the final minutes of voting in South Carolina, where a runoff election is testing the power of a Trump endorsement. We're live on the campaign trail in moments.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:15:00]

MATTINGLY: In our Politics Lead, it's the night of runoffs and two key tests for the power of President Trump's endorsement within the Republican Party. In just one hour, polls will close in South Carolina and Georgia, followed by Oklahoma at 8:00 Eastern Time.

The highest profile race, of course, is in South Carolina, where Senator Darline Graham is vying for a full term after being appointed to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Will her family name and Trump's backing be enough to defeat Congressman Ralph Norman?

Trump urging voters at a Graham rally last week to vote as if he was on the ballot.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: They say that Trump does great when he's on the ballot, but when he's not on the ballot, his people don't come and they don't vote.

So, what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot. Just come and vote.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Well, Trump's influence will also be tested in Oklahoma's Republican runoff for governor. Trump-backed former State Senator Mike Mazzei faces off against Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Democrats will decide who will finish out the term of the late Congressman David Scott, his daughter Marcy, or former Gwinnett County School Board Chair Everton Blair. This race narrowing Republicans' already thin majority in the House.

But we, of course, want to take you to South Carolina, where CNN's Dianne Gallagher has more on tonight's Republican Senate runoff. Dianne, what are you hearing?

DIANNE GALLAGHER, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: You know, Phil, the polls close in less than an hour here in South Carolina. The press is starting to fill the room here at Darline Graham's watch party in Columbia.

And the big question that everybody has about this battle between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman is, will Trump's endorsement and really engaged support for her during this runoff be enough to push Graham over the finish line despite concerns that many Republicans have about, look, a lack of detail in her platform, that shaky debate that she had a week ago today, and also what one strategist described to me as the fact that they just simply don't know that much about her.

Now, of course, Graham's success or failure tonight is going to be viewed as a reflection on President Trump and potentially his continued influence on Republicans in the South. He's not had the best luck here in South Carolina with these endorsements, and he has gone all in on Darline Graham. He had an in-person rally that you just played that sound from on Friday. He, of course, had two tele-rallies, and his super PAC, MAGA Inc, has dropped in a rare form so far this cycle, more than $820,000 in Get Out the Vote efforts for Graham in this runoff.

We talked to voters, though, and what kept coming up to us was experience more than endorsement.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I did my research. Ralph Norman is a -- you know, he's a fiscal conservative. He's done a lot for South Carolina.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Darline Graham probably doesn't know anything about international affairs, and she said she'd be a rubber stamp for Trump, and I'm not in for that.

GALLAGHER: Why'd you vote for Darline?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I loved her brother, and I love what he stood for, and she's going to be great.

GALLAGHER: Did President Trump's endorsement play any role in your vote?

[18:20:00]

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It did.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we like what Lindsey Graham represented, and we feel like she's going to do the same thing. We feel like she's going to fit right into his slot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GALLAGHER: Now, Phil, South Carolina does have a recount rule if they're within that 1 percent, that they can request that. We will see how close the final results are tonight once polls close in just a little more than 40 minutes.

MATTINGLY: A busy night ahead. Diane Gallagher, as always, my friend, from South Carolina, thank you very much.

So, whichever Republican wins will face the Democratic Senate nominee, Dr. Annie Andrews. And Dr. Andrews joins us now. Doctor, I really appreciate your time.

As you look towards tonight, is there one candidate or the other you would rather face in the general election?

DR. ANNIE ANDREWS (D), SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE CANDIDATE: No, and thank you so much for having me this evening. It really does not matter to me which Republican emerges from this runoff. These two Republicans have been spending the past two weeks nationalizing this race around Donald Trump, while I've been trying to bring it home, talking to South Carolinians about grocery prices, gas prices, and our broken healthcare system.

People here in South Carolina don't want to be told who to vote for. They want real options on the ballot in November. So, while there's so much talk about tonight's election, the real choice for South Carolinians will happen on November 3rd, where they can choose to vote for a pediatrician instead of yet another career politician who really represents everything that's broken in Washington, D.C.

MATTINGLY: Walk me through your coalition. Like how do you see the math that gets you to 50 plus 1 in November? And I ask that based -- not dismissively at all, but just based on statewide elections over the course of the last couple decades, Trump's own electoral victories in the state in the last three presidentials. What is your coalition?

ANDREWS: Yes. So, we need to turn out Democrats, we need to win over independents, and we need to give permission to moderate Republicans to choose something different, to choose a pediatrician, a doctor over another career politician.

And, yes, South Carolina is a state that voted for Trump by double digits, but our data continues to suggest that this race is tied. Regardless of which Republican emerges from this election tonight, this race is tied. We're building a real people-powered movement here.

I've been campaigning for over a year in every corner of the state of South Carolina, talking to voters about the problems they're facing, about their grocery prices, about their disdain for this war with Iran and how it relates to high gas prices, about the impending Medicaid budget cuts and what that will do to further devastate access to healthcare in rural parts of this state.

So, people are ready for something different. That's what I'm offering. And if people want to learn more about what it could be like to have the first pediatrician in the U.S. Senate, they can go to drannieandrews.com.

MATTINGLY: What do you say to national Democrats who are skeptical, both on the financial side, but also just in the paying significant attention side to the campaign you're putting together, the race you're going to run in the general?

ANDREWS: So, I'm far more concerned about what the voters are telling me. Just this past weekend, I was in Myrtle Beach, in Conway, in Florence, in Greenville, in Spartanburg, walking into rooms full of people, not just Democrats, a lot of Republicans, who feel left behind by the current version of the Republican Party, and a lot of independents.

So, what I'm hearing from voters is they're excited to have an option on the ballot in November. They're ready for something different. This is a change election cycle. Darline Graham has no political experience, and she lacks the preparedness to do the job. And on the other hand, Ralph Norman, it would be near 80 years old at the end of this freshman term. He is a Freedom Caucus leader. He is a career politician who is asking for a promotion for a job he's objectively failing at right now.

MATTINGLY: You mentioned change election. We hear that a lot. I've heard it a lot when I've been out in the country covering various races. How much of what you're hearing is distaste with the current administration, with the current president, versus they just don't like anyone? ANDREWS: I mean, everybody's pretty turned off by what's happening in Washington, D.C. And I'll be the first to admit that Washington, D.C., is broken, and that is not just one political party's fault, which is why we need to elect people who come from different professional backgrounds, who aren't seeking to be career politicians, which I am not.

I will not be a rubber stamp for any president or any political party. All we've seen and heard from Darline Graham is that she will be a rubber stamp for the Trump agenda, and we've seen the same from Ralph Norman. I hear people talking about him being a fiscal conservative. He voted for Trump's budget bill that added $4 trillion to the debt, so he is not fiscally conservative.

People want the truth from their elected officials. They want honesty. They want a fighter, and that's what I'm offering.

MATTINGLY: Democratic Nominee for South Carolina Senate Dr. Annie Andrews, thanks so much for your time.

ANDREWS: Thank you.

MATTINGLY: Well, Dolly Parton's contributions went far beyond the world of music. Up next, we're exploring how she gave back to Tennessee after rising from humble beginnings, and inspired all of us, including in this Netflix interview.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: You are enough, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't worth your time. You got this. Yes, I'm talking to you. Other people didn't always believe in me, and in those times, I had to believe in myself.

[18:25:03]

Plus, nothing's better than proving people wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MATTINGLY: We're back with our Pop Culture Lead in our breaking news coverage of the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton. Tributes pouring in for the legendary musician and philanthropist who died today in her home in Nashville. She was 80 years old.

For decades, she captivated people's attention, and, of course, their hearts, with her southern twang, witty charm, hit songs, and more than anything else, her generosity. Parton rose from humble beginnings, becoming one of the biggest stars, but never forgetting where she came from, Sevier County, Tennessee.

[18:30:00]

In 1986, she bought a theme park in Pigeon Forge, renaming it Dollywood, turning it into Sevier County's largest employer, providing more than 20,000 jobs, and generating around $1.8 billion annually. In 1988, she created the Dollywood Foundation aimed at curbing high school dropout rates in her home county.

Parton personally pledged to give $500 to every seventh and eighth grade student if they graduated from high school. She formed the Imagination Library, which has grown into one of the premier early literacy efforts and book gifting programs in the world.

And aside from multiple scholarship donations and programs, Parton also mobilized over the years after natural disasters affected both her home state and surrounding areas.

Joining us now to discuss Parton's impact in her home county is city manager and former mayor of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, David Wear.

David, I'm so grateful for your time. I can't imagine what you, what the community are kind of going through right now with Dolly Parton's passing. How are you guys?

DAVID WEAR, CITY MANAGER, PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: We're doing okay. We're just like she was, Sevier County tough. We're a tough group of people, but resilient, just as she was. First of all, let me just say real quick our love and prayers go out to the Parton and Owen family. Their loss today is huge, and I can't imagine what they're feeling.

So, our love and prayers go out to them, and to the folks at Dollywood, her theme park, and the folks that she has interacted with, her fans all over the world. She was worldwide, and we couldn't be more proud to have an ambassador like Dolly.

MATTINGLY: I was trying to explain to somebody earlier today, you go to East Tennessee, you go into Sevier County, like everything is Dolly Parton. She touched everything. And not in like an overt, in your face, like I want all the recognition. It was just she was everywhere and everything. Am I characterizing that correctly?

WEAR: You are. So, she is, was, like I said, larger than life. And here in Sevier County, when she opened -- went from Silver Dollar City to Dollywood and put her name on that theme park, that was her goal, is to employ her people. She always referred to us mountain folks here in Sevier County as my people, and she lived it. Not just with her investment there in Dollywood, but also, as you mentioned in your intro, all the philanthropic things that she had her hands in.

Every time there was something that we needed help with as a community, she was always there. Especially the wildfires in 2016, she came in huge, changed the trajectory of our recovery, not just emotionally and our wellbeing, but also our economy. She has made an impact on this world, but none as much as here in Sevier County.

MATTINGLY: Do you have a favorite personal story or anecdote? I feel like everybody in the community met her, talked with her, ran into her, had some type of interaction with some element of her generosity. What do you think about?

WEAR: I think a thousand stories that I probably shouldn't tell because she wouldn't want me to, but she would probably get a kick out of it. She's -- like I said, just hearing her interviews with so many people throughout the years, you know her wit and you know her sense of humor.

But, you know, a couple things that stick out. In your intro, you mentioned the Buddy Program, and I was one of those recipients back in the day that got money for graduating high school, me and my buddy. So, it was pretty amazing that I got to see that early on, and then also when I got involved in city government and got to work with her on a personal level, it just made it even more special.

But one story that really sticks out to me, and I don't know if I'm going to tell it very well, but my daughter, she was very young, and we used to have a homecoming parade in Pigeon Forge, and Dolly was the grand marshal every year. And we'd get some time to meet and talk with Dolly. And, again, my daughter being young just thought of her as a special friend.

Years later, my daughter grew up a little bit and Dolly did a concert here at our local Le Conte Event Center, and she turned to my wife and said, are all these people here to see Dolly? She had no idea that Dolly was as famous as she was, because that's not how she knew her. She knew her as -- knew Dolly as her special friend, which is the kind of person she was.

She was larger than life on stage and as a performer. But if you got the chance to talk to her face-to-face, one-on-one, she was as real as they got.

MATTINGLY: That's such a great story and such a great window into the woman, not just kind of the famous, terrific at absolutely everything she did person that we all seem to know publicly.

Last thing before I let you go, for people who don't know much about your community, don't know much about Sevier County, we've all tried to explain Dolly Parton's impact on the area, on the community. What would you want people to know about it?

WEAR: About this area, well, we're here, just like Dolly, we're welcoming and loving to all. We want people to come and enjoy our mountain home. We are heavy in hospitality, and that's what we're good at, just as she was good at it. And we give to our neighbor, and we love each other, and we're very faithful people. And I think that those things ring true to her as well.

[18:35:00]

MATTINGLY: I've said it a couple times, traveling with four young kids, not ideal, but my trip, our trip to Dollywood and to your neck of the woods was absolutely outstanding. I can't recommend it more highly.

City manager, former mayor of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, David Wear, thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it.

WEAR: Thanks for the opportunity. MATTINGLY: Well, a growing list of tributes tonight after Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. From one icon to another, Elton John writing, shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing, a giant of an artist, unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart. Much more on the tributes next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MATTINGLY: We're back with our Pop Lead, and we're looking at the life and legacy of music icon Dolly Parton. Parton wasn't just a country music legend. She was a philanthropist, actress, businesswoman, family woman, just an absolute legend of just about everything.

My next guest spent years researching Parton's life and career to create the award-winning podcast, Dolly Parton's America. Shima Oliaee joins me now.

And, Shima, I guess one of the things I've been trying to grapple with all day is like why was she just so -- like everyone loved her, and across everything she worked on, there was like a unifying view that she was just great.

[18:40:06]

Am I simplifying this too much?

SHIMA OLIAEE, CO-CREATOR, DOLLY PARTON'S AMERICA PODCAST: No. Actually, that is kind of one of the impossible feats of her life. While gaining so much stature and so much success, it seems that, you know, she very much kept at the center of her ethos that she would do right by people. No matter what was going on, no matter how big -- like how big an event was or a concert performance, she was very in tune with the everyday moment-to-moment interactions with the people around her.

So, she was quick -- you know, quick-witted too. If, you know, someone were to like make a crack joke at her or at her expense, and she was fast to fire back, but she was very aware of each moment of the person in front of her.

I feel like she saw people as if they were an entire universe to themselves, and she treated people with that kind of respect. Even when they didn't disagree, I think she would pray. She said that she would pray. And I think that kind of spiritual stance is what defined her music, it defined her philanthropy, it defined Dollywood, it defined all of the books that she wrote and including the 300 million books that she gave to children around the world.

What most surprised me about her, besides the fact that she would work around the clock is that she would wake up each morning and pray, and then that is what led her to song-write. That's what led her to think about what she could do for others while she was alive, and even when she considered this moment that we knew would one day come, what she would leave behind when she was no longer here.

I think she was very attuned to her mission, and her mission was very much almost like a godmother of the people, and that's not easy to live every day. It's easy to say in words, much harder to like walk the walk. And even in the tiniest things, like sending faxes to people thanking them, she changed so many lives. She changed my life. It's because she called my boss and said, I like that Shima girl, and I was on to like produce the rest of the interviews that I did. I completed with her for the next two years to complete the podcast series I made.

MATTINGLY: Elaborate on that. Like her role in your life, your personal interactions with her. Like what -- explain to people what that meant, what always stood out to you.

OLIAEE: So, even when there was, like, a dinner party and, you know, the awkward interactions of people -- you know, she would host these gatherings at premieres or other events where people just, you know, broke bread together, and it was a lot of different people were coming in contact with her life and orbiting around her.

And so a lot of us were, you know, the odd ones at the table. She was very aware of every single person in the room, and she was very aware of what people needed. She -- you know, even though she is working around the clock and, you know, there are so many people that work for her, she would make sure that you ate, that you were sleeping. How are you doing? How is your family? And she meant it when she asked you.

And I think that those like tiny moments of really making sure she's doing right by everyone and really seeing people, it helped her write the profound music that she wrote, especially music about from the working class perspective, regular people, the poor, from women before they had the same legal rights that they came to have and then lost again. She just -- she would always think about who is suffering, and how can I help transmit their voice to the world so people can understand them better? But she also did that in everyday interactions.

MATTINGLY: Remarkable. I like the godmother -- I think that's great, and if that's the mission, that's a heavy weight to carry. Mission accomplished, without any question.

Shima, I'm really grateful for your time. I know this is a, a very heavy day for you and everyone. Thank you very much.

OLIAEE: Thank you so much.

MATTINGLY: Well, tomorrow has been declared a day of mourning in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton's home county. Officials there saying, quote, Sevier County has lost a beloved friend, an extraordinary neighbor, and an icon whose legacy will forever be part of the story of our community.

Much more on Dolly Parton ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:48:32]

MATTINGLY: In our health lead, a new study is putting football's brain injury crisis back into the spotlight. Researchers found at least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE.

The disease, of course, is linked to repeated hits to the head and can only be confirmed after death. Symptoms can include memory loss, mood changes, impulse control problems, anxiety and depression.

Joining me now is Donte Stallworth, former NFL wide receiver who played 10 seasons in the league.

And I have to start, you're UT guy. We can tell by the tie. Dolly Parton, we're all thinking about it today. You met her?

DONTE STALLWORTH, FORMER NFL WIDE RECEIVER: Yeah, I was able to meet her when I was in Knoxville. It was during the summer, about 12, 13 years ago. She was having a concert there. And, you know, Dolly was just -- she was just the light of the universe. She treated everyone with dignity and respect.

And, you know, one of the things that I appreciated most about her was that she spoke openly about inclusivity, but she also led with love and humility. And that's -- you know, she was a big -- she grew up right down the street from Knoxville. So, she is a big Vols fan. And the Vols nation is hurting tonight, along with everyone else.

MATTINGLY: Yeah, we can talk about this a lot. I do want to switch topics though, because this new study today, we have seen numbers come out on this issue repeatedly over the years. What do you think when you see these numbers?

STALLWORTH: Oh, it's -- it's disturbing. It's a little scary because I played in the era where -- where there was no talk of concussions, the nomenclature around concussions was taken very lightly back then.

[18:50:04]

But now, I think a lot of things have changed in the last 10, 15 years. And the NFL has really made some strides. But also, you know, with concussion protocols and the guardian caps, being able to wear those at practice and even in the games, those things would have never happened 15, 20 years ago. But it is -- it is a sobering reminder, I think, to that this game that we love and that we all know there are physical consequences that come with playing this game.

But I think now that we are moving forward in time, I think that the NFL has really done a lot, but there is always more that can be done, and we are going to keep pressing them as former players to do more.

MATTINGLY: Your generation -- we're the same generation -- generation players. Looking back, many, most of whom have retired. Do you think about specific hits or specific moments and think like, when you see these numbers, this is not great?

STALLWORTH: Yeah, I think a lot of players do. And I think one of the things too, is that a lot of the players do not really want to talk about it. And, you know, I think that just that is attributed to our mentality when we were playing -- we were taught, we trained to never show any physical or mental weakness because you do not want your opponent to see any weakness. And I think that a lot of the times that gets carried off the field too, and not just off the field, but with us throughout our lives.

And so, the good thing though, is that, you know, like I said, the nomenclature has changed about concussions and everything that we talk about, the way we talk about concussions, and the way we talk about brain health in general, I think has changed. And so that hopefully will enable more players to be able to speak freely and speak openly about concussions and any issues that they are having.

MATTINGLY: I am a dad. I have got two sons, grew up playing football, very formative experience, not nearly as high a level as you did, to battle with my wife. Are the boys playing tackle football? What do you think?

STALLWORTH: You know, that is tricky. I think a lot of former players, like I say, I do not have any kids, but a lot of former players are really not allowing their younger kids to play tackle football anymore. They are playing flag football and getting them in that -- in that team mentality where they can kind of work within football but not necessarily tackle until they get to high school. So that is, you know, I think that the research behind that is, is there for you to see it for yourself.

And I probably -- if I had kids, I would not let my young kids play tackle football. But I think, you know, the older they get, high school, obviously college, I think, I think it is okay if you are willing to, you know, understand the risks and the consequences that come with that.

MATTINGLY: When do you think they should start playing?

STALLWORTH: Oh that is a good question. Honestly, I would say a lot of former players that that I played with, guys that have kids, they did not let their kids start playing tackle football until high school. So I would -- I would say probably high school.

MATTINGLY: Yeah. Learn -- learn the -- learn the basics first. Exactly.

Really appreciate you, big fan. Thanks so much for coming in, Donte Stallworth.

We can talk about Dolly Parton all day. We have for much of the day, but perhaps one of the best ways to honor her is to let you hear from Dolly herself. Dolly in her own words, in that one of a kind voice that we will always remember. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:57:14]

MATTINGLY: Welcome back.

We want to let you hear Dolly Parton's words about her music, charity and legacy before we say goodbye tonight. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DOLLY PARTON, COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND: But I think people early on saw that I was serious about my work and that I was serious about what I thought I could do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Dolly Parton shared time and again throughout the years about why she thought her career took off, overcoming the obstacles of her Eastern Tennessee upbringing and being a woman in country music from her earliest performance on "The Porter Wagoner Show".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON (voice-over): Just because I am blond, do not think I am dumb because this dumb blond is not nobody's fool.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: To a now famous interview on "60 Minutes".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: Well, I certainly got hit on a lot, and a lot of men thought I was as silly as I looked. I guess, you know, I look like a woman, but I think like a man. And in this world of business, that has helped me a lot. Because by the time they think that I do not know what is going on, I done got the money and gone.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Her star shone bright throughout Nashville and beyond to Hollywood. Here she is telling Howard Stern the innovative way she wrote the now famous title track for the movie "Nine to Five".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: I would watch whatever was going on, and I would just be like, you know, because I could not get a guitar out on the set. So, I would just kind of you got to have acrylic nails to make that real percussive sound. But I would just, I thought it sounded like a typewriter. Can you hear that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah.

PARTON: Working nine to five, what a way to make a living barely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: A familiar technique for the glamorous Dolly.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: Oh, books. Books. I love books, the way they feel and smell and look from my first look, I was hooked on books, books, books. (END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: After the creation of her imagination library in 1995, she told NBC that country music queen was no longer her favorite moniker. It was the book lady for a reason that hit close to home.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: My dad was the smartest person I ever knew, but he could not read and write, and that always that always bothered him and troubled him. So I wanted to do something so my dad could be proud to help me with it. And daddy got to live long enough to hear the kids call me the book lady, and he was as proud of that as me being a star.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Homes stayed at the root of her charity work and her lasting legacy in Tennessee, Dollywood

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARTON: I am very involved in everything that goes on at Dollywood. I have always loved being part of that, and they always make me feel real welcome, and that is necessary for me to be involved. I do not want to just put my name on something and not be involved.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Dolly told our Jake Tapper in 2022 what she would tell her younger self about her career if she could do it all again.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP.)

PARTON: Looking back, I would just say, girl, you better buckle up because this is you are in for the ride of your life.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: One heck of a life indeed. May Dolly's memory be a blessing.

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