As the sun dipped below the desert horizon on April 20, 2025, the energy at Coachella reached a fever pitch. Headliner Post Malone, known for seamlessly blending genres and delivering raw emotion, took the main stage to close out Weekend Two with a performance that would soon be remembered as one of the festival’s most touching moments.

But no one was prepared for what came next.

 A Surprise Appearance That Set the Stage on Fire

Midway through his set, Post paused—then smiled.

“I’ve got someone special I want to bring out…” he said.

Dolly Parton’s beloved ballad “Coat of Many Colors” isn’t just a country music classic—it’s a living memory wrapped in fabric, stitched with heartbreak, hope, and motherly love.

Written during a moment of reflection in 1969 while on tour with Porter Wagoner, Dolly jotted the now-iconic lyrics on the back of a dry cleaning receipt. That spontaneous moment would give birth to one of the most meaningful songs in American music history.

A Coat Sewn from Rags—But Rich in Love

Born and raised in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Dolly’s family struggled with deep poverty. One winter, her mother pieced together a coat for young Dolly using a box of donated rags. But what made the coat truly special wasn’t the fabric—it was the love woven into every stitch.

As she sewed, Dolly’s mother shared the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, teaching her that true wealth comes not from what you wear—but from the love and faith you carry in your heart.

“Although we had no money, I was rich as I could be. In my coat of many colors my momma made for me.”

Ridicule at School—And a Life-Changing Lesson

When Dolly wore the handmade coat to school, she was met not with admiration, but with laughter and teasing from classmates who didn’t understand the value behind the fabric. Yet instead of shame, Dolly felt an unshakable pride—because her mother’s love was stronger than their cruelty.

The song’s message is one of resilience and self-worth:

“One is only poor, only if they choose to be.”

This simple line became a life philosophy, echoed by fans for decades.

A Legacy Beyond Music: The TV Movie That Moved Millions

In 2015, the story took on new life in the NBC film Coat of Many Colors, executive produced by Dolly Parton herself. The movie, starring Alyvia Alyn Lind as young Dolly, captured the raw truth of her upbringing: the pain of losing a baby brother, the trials of a struggling family, and the faith that held them together.

The film drew over 13 million viewers, becoming the most-watched TV movie since 2012 and earning the Tex Ritter Award from the Academy of Country Music.

A Museum Memory That Lives On

Though the original coat no longer exists, a lovingly recreated version is on display at Dollywood’s Chasing Rainbows Museum, alongside the original dry cleaning receipt—donated by Porter Wagoner—where the lyrics were first written.

These artifacts are more than memorabilia; they’re physical echoes of a legacy that reminds us that love is the most valuable thing we can ever give or receive.

Why “Coat of Many Colors” Still Resonates Today

In a world driven by appearances and wealth, Dolly Parton’s song stands as a timeless reminder that emotional richness and family love far outweigh material possessions. The song speaks to themes of:

• Poverty and pride

• Motherhood and sacrifice

• Bullying and resilience

• Faith, love, and gratitude

From country fans to everyday families, the message continues to resonate across generations.

💬 Final Thought

“Coat of Many Colors” isn’t just a song. It’s a testament.
A testament to the beauty of simplicity, the strength of a mother’s love, and the ability of music to heal, uplift, and inspire.

No matter where you come from or what you have—love is the richest garment of all.

“The Father, My Son, and The Holy Ghost” Becomes a Viral Symbol of Healing and Hope

In the summer of 2016, country music star Craig Morgan faced every parent’s worst nightmare. His beloved 19-year-old son, Jerry, tragically lost his life in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. The sudden loss shattered Craig’s world — but in the stillness of grief, something deeply spiritual happened.

One night, at 2:30 a.m., Craig was awakened by a melody forming in his mind — a chorus so vivid and emotional, it was as if it had been gifted to him in a dream. “I was singing the entire chorus in my head before I even fully woke up,” he told People. And with that, he began writing what would become one of the most powerful songs in country music history:
“The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

How does a rock legend maintain unshakable energy for a 3-hour performance? How can someone in their seventies still ignite a stage with the same fire that launched their career decades ago?

Blake Shelton Made His American Music Award Performance Debut

On Monday, May 26, Blake Shelton performed at the American Music Awards for the very first time. This year’s show took place at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the show was a star-studded affair that included performances from Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and, for the first time, Blake Shelton.

Stefani is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album Love.Angel.Music.Baby performed a medley of her hits from that album, including “Hollaback Girl,” and a brand-new song from her latest album, Bouquet. 

Shelton has won three AMAs throughout his career, but has never performed at the show. In 2011 and 2016, he won the award for Favorite Male Artist – Country, and in 2020, he won Favorite Country Album for Fully Loaded: God’s Country.

Not only did Shelton perform, but he also presented at the show.

Blake Performed “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’” Off His New Album

On May 15th, the American Music Awards announced Shelton would be making his debut performance.

He performed “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’,” a song from his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, which he released on May 9th. The song was officially released as a single on May 19th, following the massive success of “Texas,” his first single off the album, which eventually became his 30th #1 hit on the charts.

 

Wearing a red, white a blue ribbon pinned to his front shirt pocket, Shelton brought country to the American Music Awards and was unapologetic about just how country he was during a night full of glitz and glam.

He ended the performance with a salute and pointed to the ribbon, reminding us all what the day is all about, remembering the fallen servicemen and women.

Prior to his performance he shared a message on social media, writing, “Never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our country and our freedom. Remembering our heroes extra today. #MemorialDay”

 

We love the Blake took time to recognize what Memorial Day is all about. Watch his performance below.

“Duck Commander” Phil Robertson Died On May 25 At The Age Of 79

Phil Robertson, patriarch of the Robertson family, is being remembered with heartfelt tributes from those who loved him.

Phil, who founded the company Duck Commander, rose to fame on the A&E show Duck Dynasty. The show followed him and his large family, showcasing how they ran their business.

But even more so, the show shared the family’s love for each other and their Christian faith.

Duck Dynasty ended in 2017. After the show ended, Phil and his family continued speaking about their faith on podcasts, social media, and other projects.

However, Phil stepped back from his Unashamed podcast at the end of 2024. His sons, Al and Jase, revealed in December that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disease.

The Robertsons kept fans updated on Phil’s health as the months passed. In the May 19 episode of Unashamed, Al and Jase said they felt like their dad was “getting ready for the journey to the other side.”

Sadly, Phil made that journey on Sunday, May 25. The Robertson family announced he had passed away earlier that day.

The family’s statement read in part:

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”

Robertson Family Members Remember Phil In Personal Tributes

Many of the Robertson family members posted the above statement regarding Phil’s passing. But several others wrote personal and heartfelt tributes in his honor.

Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie, shared several sweet photos of her and her “Papaw” through the years. She wrote:

“It was his testimony that changed his life, our [family’s] life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come. One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”

Sadie’s husband, Christian Huff, shared photos of him and Phil on a duck hunt together, captioning them:

“Only had a couple years to spend with @officialphilrobertson but man were the few ones fun! There truly was no one like you and there never will be. We’ll miss you and I’ll keep working hard to blow a duck call that you’d approve of! Enjoy the reception because there’s many up there waiting to greet you!”

Phil’s granddaughter, Bella, shared a touching tribute alongside a photo of her and Phil together when she was young. She said:

“My papaw phil is now where he always longed to be — with God, his Father. I miss him already & can not wait to see him again one day.”

Phil’s granddaughter, Mia, shared an emotional message about how Phil was so much more to her than just her grandfather. She said:

“I’ve seen him as my friend, my mentor, my ally, and my inspiration. He wasn’t the type to always say “I love you” or give you hugs and kisses, but neither am I. His love wasn’t shown like that. His love showed through his actions. The way he prayed for all of us daily, the way he always stuck up for his family, and the way he was always there to help put our family back together when disaster or sin struck. We all looked to him for guidance, because his heart and actions were led by the Father who is always perfect.”

Mia also shared a voice memo from when she and her family sang an old hymn for Phil just a few days before he passed away.

Phil’s grandson, Will Jr., shared his love for Phil in a tribute he penned alongside two photos of them together, taken several years apart. Will said:

“My Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. his life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful. i’m thankful to be a part of his legacy that will live on through our family and in many other ways. i’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw”

Phil’s daughter-in-law, Missy (who’s married to Jase), shared two sweet snapshots of her and Phil over the years. She said:

“What an amazing legacy, amazing faith, amazing man I was honored to call my father-in-law. While we will miss him for a short time, we celebrate now that he is with his Savior and at total peace. Praise Jesus!”

Jase posted a picture of the Robertsons gathered together for one of their famous family meals. Honoring his dad in the caption, Jase wrote:

“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”

These tributes prove how much Phil Robertson meant to his family and all who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Our prayers go out to the Robertsons during this difficult time…

Shelton will hit the stage to showcase his 30th No. 1 hit.

Blake Shelton; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Blake Shelton reveals he’s set to perform his latest chart-topper “Texas” at the 2025 ACM Awards on Thursday, May 8. Catching up with Country Now prior to the coveted event, the country music superstar shared that he had just driven into town in his truck from his home in Oklahoma and has been feeling all the excitement leading up to his time on stage.

“I have no secrets and the show’s not paying me so I can say whatever I want to say. Yeah, in fact, I was excited,” he admitted. “Just got in my truck and went through the storm and I was excited when I crossed over into Texas. It was like, wow, I’m literally going to Texas to sing ‘Texas’ at the ACM Awards, which is pretty cool.”

The upbeat tune has quickly won over fans and recently earned Shelton his 30^th No. 1 hit. It was penned by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman and is set to serve as the lead single of Shelton’s upcoming album, For Recreational Use Only, arriving one day after the ACM Awards on Friday, May 9.

 

Comparing “Texas” To The Major Impact Of Hit, “God’s Country”

“Texas” is the first single Blake Shelton has released under his new label, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and Wheelhouse Records. The song has already had a major impact on his career, similarly to how the tune “God’s Country” signaled a turning point.

“Ken was telling me, I think how many years, five years since I’d had a number one song. So to your point, I mean it is like a ‘God’s Country’ almost, because I was kind of starting to think, well, maybe that was it,” Shelton shared honestly.

Luckily, Shelton is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s going to continue to dig into his roots and authentic country sound throughout his next album, especially on songs like his next single, “Stay Country Or Die Tryin.’”

Shelton Joins A Stacked Lineup Of Performers

This week, the hitmaker joins a stacked lineup of country acts, including Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Lainey Wilson, who will each bring their talent to the ACM Awards.

The show will open with a can’t-miss tribute to ACM Songs of the Year from the past six decades, featuring performances by Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland.

Plus, the night will feature several collaborations from Backstreet Boys with Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll teaming up with Shaboozey, and Brooks & Dunn with Cody Johnson.

How To Watch 2025 ACM Awards

16-time ACM Award-winner Reba McEntire is returning to reclaim her hosting duties yet again. This will mark the country icon’s 18th time hosting or co-hosting the event, more than any other artist in ACM history.

The 60th ACM Awards will stream live around the world on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT, exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, reaching audiences in over 240 countries and territories.

Lisa Robertson, Phil and Kay Robertson’s daughter-in-law, shared a photo of one of their last earthly moments together before Phil’s death.

Phil Robertson’s life had a profound impact on people all over the world, but perhaps the biggest impact was on his own family.

Long before Phil became a household name due to his Duck Commander empire and the A&E television show about his family that followed, he was a man that most people would never recognize. The Robertson family patriarch has been open about his days of drinking, drugs, and women, all while he was married to Miss Kay and had four boys at home.

The story of Phil’s life was documented in the movie The Blind and revealed some of his darkest secrets and lowest points. It also tells of the redeeming power of the Gospel and how his life was transformed by his faith in Jesus Christ.

While Duck Dynasty fans never saw that side of Phil Robertson, his family did. They witnessed firsthand the transformation and how both Phil and Kay fought for their family.

Phil and Kay Robertson’s Marriage

Phil Robertson married Kay in 1966 when she was only 16. The first ten years of their marriage were tumultuous due to Phil’s partying ways.

A few years into their marriage, Kay gave her life to Jesus. The decision changed her life and how she approached her relationship with Phil. When she told her husband about her decision, Phil kicked her and her children out of their home.

Kay prayed for Phil for months before he realized that he wanted his family back and needed to change.

“The change that took place back then is literally stunning,” Phil recalled of his conversion experience during an interview with Focus On The Family in 2023. “It’s either luck or there’s a God in Heaven.”

Phil and Kay spent the years that followed rebuilding their family and raising their boys to love the Lord. They also demonstrated a strong marriage and the results of forgiveness.

Together, the couple built a dynasty that wasn’t only based on Phil’s love of hunting and his duck call inventions, but on a shared faith that was passed down to their children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren.

Their Final Years

The last few years have been full of health issues for Phil and Kay. Less than six months before his death, Phil was diagnosed with a blood disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. The blood issue caused Phil to live in extreme pain and forced him to undergo at least three back surgeries.

Prior to Phil’s diagnosis, Kay was hospitalized numerous times. One of the hospitalizations was due to a fall that resulted in a serious cut on her leg. The leg became infected, and she was given a grim prognosis. Her leg eventually healed, something her family considered a miracle.

Kay and Phil’s children chose to move them out of their beloved Louisiana home and into an assisted living facility where they could have 24-hour care. During Kay’s hospitalization and rehabilitation stay, they were separated for several weeks.

RELATED: PHIL AND KAY ROBERTSON REUNITED AFTER FORCED SEPARATION DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES

On the Unashamed podcast, their sons, Al and Jase, shared that their parents would communicate through FaceTime.

“The spark that comes in their eyes when they see one another is really touching. It reminds you of the blessing we get on earth to have somebody to carry burdens with and the beauty of marriage and relationships,” Jase said. “To be honest, that’s dad’s only consistent north star is mom.”

A week later, the brothers shared that Kay and Phil had been reunited and that Phil was much happier with his wife around.

Following Phil’s death, his daughter-in-law shared an emotional photo taken the day before he died.

In a post shared to social media the morning after Phil died, Lisa Robertson, wife of Phil’s oldest son Al, gave fans a glimpse of some of his final moments.

“Phil & Kay Robertson – 5-24-25. Almost 65 years of dedication to each other. There were a few years that it was one sided. Then God… He changed them & their future! & their Legacy lives on!” Lisa wrote.

The caption accompanied a photo of Phil and Kay holding hands. Phil appears to be in a bed with his right arm stretched out next to him. Both of Kay’s hands are seen gripping his as if not wanting to let go.

The photo had a far deeper meaning than just two people saying goodbye. In May 2024, Phil shared that he and Kay held hands every night before bed.

“When Miss Kay comes to bed at night, she sticks her hand out from under the covers, I squeeze it, and she squeezes back. We do it every night, no matter what,” Phil wrote.

“So all you men out there: Hold your wife’s hand. Honor your wife and mama. Be thankful for the women who never stop praying for their families.”

See Phil’s beautiful post about holding Miss Kay’s hand below.

Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café is moving back to Broadway—for one night only.

To launch the CMA Music Festival and celebrate the Café’s 43rd birthday, the Bluebird has again teamed with Garth Brooks’ Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk to bring the songwriters behind Brooks’ biggest hits and Trisha Yearwood’s new album directly into the CMA Fest fan frenzy.

Yearwood’s writers include Leslie Satcher, Bridgette Tatum, and Rachel Thibodeau for the 1:30 p.m. show on June 4. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Brooks’ writers are Pat Alger, Kent Blazy, Tony Arata, and Victoria Shaw for the 5 p.m. show on June 4 show. Doors open at 4 p.m. While both shows are sold out, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Mirror, Yearwood’s first album in six years, will be available July 18. The project is the first time Yearwood co-wrote and co-produced an entire album. There’s a high likelihood that guests at the 1:30 p.m. show will get a preview of Yearwood’s new music.

Yearwood wrote on Instagram that she’s “so proud” of this record.

“I’ve always written a little bit, but I’ve never called myself a songwriter,” Yearwood told Kelly Clarkson. “In fact, I usually will say if somebody says we should write, I’m like, I’m not a songwriter. Because someone told me when I was in college that I was not a songwriter, and I let it be the truth for just like 45 years. I sort of had an a-ha about, ‘Why does that have to be the truth?’”

Trisha Yearwood: “Why Does That Have to Be the Truth?”

In addition to writing for Yearwood, Satcher also penned “Tough” (Kellie Pickler), “Troubadour” (George Strait), and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues” (Martina McBride). Tatum wrote “She’s Country” for Jason Aldean. And Thibodeau wrote “Good Directions” for Billy Currington, in addition to songs for Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Reba McEntire, and more.

The Brooks-dedicated line-up is a repeat of last year’s Friends In Low Places Bluebird night. The evening with Alger (“Unanswered Prayers,” “What She’s Doing Now,” “The Thunder Rolls”, and “That Summer”), Blazy (“Somewhere Other Than The Night,” “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up),” “It’s Midnight Cinderella,” and “She’s Gonna Make It”), Arata (“The Dance”) and Shaw (“The River”) morphed into a Brooks roast that he wasn’t present to enjoy. Each of the writers has known Brooks since the beginning of his career and wasn’t shy about sharing stories that date back to his pre-superstar days.

Blazy, who wrote “If Tomorrow Never Comes” with Brooks, shared the very early days of Brooks’ career. Record labels rejected the singer multiple times, Blazy said. He recalled executives told him no one would sign someone named Garth because it sounded like someone was gargling on the radio. Brooks’ break came unexpectedly when someone didn’t show up to play their set at the Bluebird Café. He received a call asking if he’d like to step in.

Garth Brooks’ Memories Shared By His Circle

“Garth came in and did ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes,’ and someone who had passed on him for the third time that week came up to his afterward and said, ‘I know we passed on you three times, but maybe we missed something,” Blazy said. “He came back in and got a record deal.”

While Alger didn’t write Brooks’ first single–”I’m Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” – he did help him celebrate it. Nashville record labels and performing rights organizations typically host parties for artists and songwriters only when a song reaches the top of the charts. Since “I’m Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” only went to No. 8, Brooks wasn’t going to get a party. Then Alger stepped in.

“We didn’t know anyone who’d had a No. 8,” Alger said. He added, “We got him a cake with an eight on it, and the eight is bigger than the cake. We played volleyball in the backyard.”
Brooks told Alger in the yard that night that “If Tomorrow Never Comes” would be his next single and that it would go to No. 1.

“Like so many things he predicted, it did,” Alger said.

See Friends In Low Places

In addition to the shows, showgoers will also gain access to two rarely open spaces in Friends In Low Places bar & Honky-Tonk: Garth Brooks’ SEVENS Club, where the afternoon begins with beverages, and Trisha Yearwood’s Studio Kitchen.

For more information, visit bluebirdcafe.com. Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk is located at 411 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

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