Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 — and the world has lost one of its most talented, generous and genuinely beloved icons.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones. Her representatives confirmed the news, bringing an end to a remarkable six-decade career that made her one of the most recognisable entertainers on the planet.
But calling Dolly simply a country music legend doesn’t really do her justice.
She was a songwriter, singer, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, cultural icon and, above all, an absolute queen.
From Jolene and 9 to 5 to I Will Always Love You, Dolly created songs that escaped their genres and became part of global culture. Her songwriting was extraordinary — emotionally direct, instantly memorable and capable of turning heartbreak, ambition and everyday life into something universal.
The music industry is mourning the loss of trailblazing entrepreneur and cultural pioneer Kanya King CBE, founder of the MOBO Awards, who has died aged 57 following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Her death was announced by the MOBO Organisation, which described her as one of the music world’s most fearless champions.
Born in Kilburn, North West London, to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, Kanya King transformed the landscape of British music when she launched the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards in 1996. At a time when Black music was frequently overlooked by mainstream award ceremonies, King took a remarkable risk, reportedly remortgaging her home to fund the first event. Her vision was simple but revolutionary: to create a platform that recognised and celebrated the immense contribution of Black music and culture to British society.
Over the next three decades, the MOBO Awards became one of the UK’s most influential music institutions, helping to elevate artists including Craig David, Stormzy, Dave, Little Simz, Skepta and countless others. What began as a bold idea grew into a cultural movement that changed perceptions, opened doors and provided opportunities for generations of artists.
King revealed in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. Despite receiving a devastating prognosis, she continued working tirelessly, using her platform to raise awareness about cancer screening and early detection while remaining actively involved with the MOBO organisation. She attended events, accepted industry honours and continued advocating for diversity and representation throughout her illness.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Actor and DJ Idris Elba described her as an inspiration, while artists and broadcasters including Beverley Knight, DJ Target and Heather Small praised her determination, vision and lasting impact on British culture.
Beyond music, King’s legacy extends into entrepreneurship, philanthropy and social change. She was awarded a CBE in 2018 for her services to music and culture and was widely recognised as one of Britain’s most influential businesswomen. Her work challenged barriers, championed underrepresented voices and reshaped the UK’s cultural landscape forever.
As the music world reflects on her extraordinary achievements, one thing remains certain: Kanya King did far more than create an awards ceremony. She created a platform, a movement and a legacy that will continue inspiring future generations for decades to come.
Last Saturday and Sunday, London’s beloved Mighty Hoopla transformed Brockwell Park into the ultimate celebration of pop culture, nostalgia and LGBTQ+ joy. Headlined by the iconic Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters, the festival once again proved why it remains one of the UK’s most vibrant music events.
The star-studded lineup featured crowd-pleasing performances from JLS, Alexandra Burke, Perrie Edwards, Jessie J, Booty Luv and Todrick Hall among many others. Fans danced from midday until sunset as the festival delivered hit after hit. Mighty Hoopla’s unique blend of music, inclusivity and unapologetic fun continues to set it apart from the traditional festival scene.
Talk of Madonna returning with a “Confessions 2” era is beginning to build momentum, and expectations are naturally high. The original project defined a moment, blending club energy with sharp pop instincts in a way that still holds weight. Revisiting that space now could either lean into nostalgia or push things forward, depending on how far she is willing to evolve the sound.
Chris Brown and Usher heading out on tour together sounds like a fever dream from the early 2000s but it’s real, and fans are already bracing for impact. Between the vocals, the dance routines, and a catalogue of hits that defined an era, this has the potential to be one of those tours people talk about for years. Whether it lives up to the hype will depend on execution, but on paper, it’s hard to beat.
Lana Del Rey recording a Video Games inspired theme for a new James Bond title feels like a natural fit. Her cinematic style has always existed on the edge of that world, blending melancholy with scale in a way that mirrors the tone of the franchise. If this track leans into that signature atmosphere, it could deliver something memorable rather than just functional. Bond themes tend to live or die on identity, and this pairing has the potential to feel intentional rather than safe.
All Points East is back and better than ever, with another full festival day reveal for 21st August in Victoria Park.
Jorja Smith and Tems top the bill — two artists who’ve shaped the sound of modern R&B in very different ways, but with the same effortless pull. Jorja’s voice carries that unmistakable depth, while Tems brings the kind of presence that turns every set into a moment.
Further down the line-up, Ayra Starr arrives fresh off a huge couple of years, delivering Afropop that’s built for big stages. Odeal’s smooth, late-night R&B continues to gather momentum, and KWN adds another rising name to a day that leans heavily into the future of the genre.
Pop provocateur Miley Cyrus returns with a hauntingly sultry new single, Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved, lifted from her upcoming visual album. The official video, which dropped this week, is already causing waves – and for good reason: it features Naomi Campbell in a commanding lead role, exuding timeless power, grace, and supermodel magnetism.
Directed by longtime Cyrus collaborator Jacob Bixenman, the video is a moody, cinematic slow burn—set in a minimalist dreamscape that blends 90s R&B aesthetics with high fashion surrealism. Naomi floats through mirrored corridors, dripping in custom archival Mugler and vintage Tom Ford-era Gucci, as Miley delivers emotionally-charged vocals with raw precision.
The track itself is an evocative ballad laced with yearning and reflection, as Miley sings from the perspective of every woman her lover has ever been with. The layered storytelling, paired with Naomi’s regal presence, elevates the concept into something greater than pop—it becomes performance art.
Watch the full video and The recording of Naomi’s vocals, with being the scenes of making of the visual in full below.
