WideOpenCountry

If you're one of those people who can't seem to pry yourself away from your beloved pair of cowboy boots, there's a new summer fashion trend that will blow your mind.

Patsy Cline will always be remembered as a woman whose voice changed country music forever. For more Patsy Cline facts, visit here: https://www.wideopencountry.com/patsy-cline-things-you-didnt-know/

The Grand Ole Opry will return to television in 2020 thanks to Circle, a new media network made possible by Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television, inc. Per a press release, the network will feature original programming centered around country stars and their lives on and off the stage. Its lineup includes a weekly television broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous. A different way to catch events from the Opry House beyond WSM's radio broadcasts brings even more exposure to Grand Ole Opry members. “Circle is all about fun, discovery and accessibility for country music fans,” said Drew Reifenberger, the general manager of Circle Media, in a press release. “Circle will align fans and artists by creating intimate experiences and camaraderie of a close-knit circle of friends.” Planned programming for the Music City-centric network includes entertainment news, documentaries and movies, plus licensed programming and archival content. Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., said the goal was to provide entertainment experiences celebrating the country lifestyle and "enrich the artist-fan connection that is the backbone of country music." “Circle Media is a key piece of that strategy that will create a window into all of the best moments that happen in Nashville and throughout the South, so fans can connect with up-and-coming artists and the superstars they love from anywhere they are," Bailey said. The network will debut in early 2020 on Gray-owned TV stations. Additional distribution partners will be announced in the coming months. Circle plans to launch a companion digital premium entertainment service in the late spring of 2020. For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

In a recent interview with 60 Minutes Australia, 74-year-old Dolly Parton set a goal for her 75th birthday: a return to the cover of Playboy Magazine. “I don’t plan to retire. I just turned 74 and I plan to be on the cover of Playboy Magazine again,” she said (as quoted by People). “See I did Playboy Magazine years ago and I thought it’d be such a hoot if they’ll go for it — I don’t know if they will — if I could be on the cover again when I’m 75.” More specifically, Parton became the first country singer to become a Playboy cover model in October 1978. The cover photo shoot showed the country music icon in the iconic Playboy bunny outfit, complete with bunny ears and a bowtie. Parton's cover shot promoted an in-depth article on her career, not that month's centerfold. “I have been asked, back in the day, but that was so totally not me," she says on nudity, as shared on her website. "I would never do that… But that was a good article they ran in there, and it was just a fun thing to do. That was just another way I was trying to market myself, at that time, to kinda get in the mainstream…” When asked if she'd wear the same outfit, Parton employed her signature charm, saying she likely could use it because "boobs are still the same." “I’ve had about all the nips and tucks I can have,” she added about maintaining her iconic look. “The good part with me though, I have my own look. I look kind of cartoonish and cartoons don’t really age that much.” Parton added, “Even when I’m 90, I’ll still probably look about the same way. Just thicker make-up and bigger hair.” Parton's pondering a future issue of Playboy Magazine's cover while promoting a new A&E special titled Biography: Dolly. The April 12 broadcast will follow Parton from a childhood of poverty in East Tennessee to her earliest successes in Nashville, including her crowning moment as a songwriter, "Jolene." For more, check out WideOpenCountry.com!

Julianne Hough couldn't resist from posting her adorable honeymoon photos

Andy Griffith was one of the biggest television stars during the 1960s, reaching peak fame from his starring role in The Andy Griffith Show. But did you know that before his successful acting career he rose to fame as a monologist? One of his most successful monologues was "What It Was, Was Football" which follows a country preacher who accidentally finds himself at a football game and doesn't really know what to make of it. The original recording was produced in North Carolina and mass-produced by Capitol Records in 1953. The performance charted at number 9 on the billboards and was instrumental in boosting Griffith's television and comedy career. It even landed him an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1954. The script of the monologue was printed in Mad magazine in 1958 and even turned into a short film in 1997. Watch the full monologue to see Griffith's hilarious performance or read it below. “What It Was, Was Football” It was back last October, I believe it was. We was going to hold a tent service off at this college town, and we got there about dinnertime on Saturday. Different ones of us thought that we ought to get us a mouthful to eat before we set up the tent. So we got off the truck and followed this little bunch of people through this small little bitty patch of woods there, and we come up on a big sign. It says, “Get Something to Eat Here.” I went up and got me two hot dogs and a big orange drink, and before I could take a mouthful of that food, this whole raft of people come up around me and got me to where I couldn’t eat nothing, up like, and I dropped my big orange drink. I did. Well, friends, they commenced to move, and there wasn’t so much that I could do but move with them. Well, we commenced to go through all kinds of doors and gates and I don’t know what-all, and I looked up over one of ’em and it says, “North Gate.” We kept on a-going through there, and pretty soon we come up on a young boy and he says, “Ticket, please.” And I says, “Friend, I don’t have a ticket; I don’t even know where it is that I’m a-going!” I did. Well, he says, “Come out as quick as you can.” And I says, “I’ll do ’er; I’ll turn right around the first chance I get.” Well, we kept on a-moving through there, and pretty soon everybody got where it was that they was a-going, because they parted and I could see pretty good. I could. And what I seen was this whole raft of people a-sittin’ on these two banks and a-lookin’ at one another across this pretty little green cow pasture. Well, they was. Somebody had took and drawed white lines all over it and drove posts in it, and I don’t know what-all, and I looked down there, and I seen five or six convicts a-running up and down and a-blowing whistles. They was. And then I looked down there, I seen these pretty girls wearin’ these little bitty short dresses and a-dancing around, and so I sit down and thought I’d see what it was that was a-going to happen. I did. About the time I got set down good, I looked down there and I seen 30 or 40 men come a-runnin’ out of one end of a great big outhouse down there. They did. And everybody where I was a-settin’ got up and hollered! And about that time, 30 or 40 come runnin’ out of the other end of that outhouse, and the other bank-full, they got up and hollered. And I asked this fella that was a sittin’ beside of me, “Friend, what is it that they’re a-hollerin’ for?” Well, he whopped me on the back and he says, “Buddy, have a drink!” “Well,” I says, “I believe I will have another big orange.” And I got it and set back down. When I got there again I seen that them men had got in two little bitty bunches down there real close together, and they voted. They did. They voted and elected one man apiece, and them two men come out in the middle of that cow pasture and shook hands like they hadn’t seen one another in a long time. Then a convict come over to where they was a-standin’, and he took out a quarter, and they commenced to odd man right there! They did. After a while I seen what it was they was odd-manning for. It was that both bunches-full of them men wanted this funny-lookin’ little punkin to play with. They did. And I know, friends, that they couldn’t eat it because they kicked it the whole evenin’ and it never busted. But, anyhow, what I was telling was, both bunches-full wanted that thing. One bunch got it and it made the other bunch just as mad as they could be! Friends, I seen that evenin’ the awfulest fight that I have ever seen in all my life! I did! They would run at one another and kick one another and throw one another down and stomp on one another and grind their feet in one another and I don’t know what-all and just as fast as one of ’em would get hurt, they’d tote him off and run another one on! Well, they done that as long as I set there, but pretty soon this boy that had said “Ticket, please,” he come up to me and he says, “Friend, you’re gonna have to leave because it is that you don’t have a ticket.” And I says, “Well, all right.” And I got up and left. I don’t know, friends, to this day what it was that they was a-doin’ down there, but I have studied about it. I think it was that it’s some kindly of a contest where they see which bunch-full of them men can take that punkin and run from one end of that cow pasture to the other without gettin’ knocked down or steppin’ in somethin’.

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Carrie Underwood remained cool under pressure with police when she was pulled over for speeding.

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Kenny Rogers, born in 1938 in Houston, Texas, first rose to fame with his band the First Edition (later renamed Kenny Rogers and The First Edition), with hits such as "Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)," "But You Know I Love You" and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town." Rogers launched his solo career in 1976 with the album Love Lifted Me. Later that year, Rogers released a self-titled album, which featured the No. 1 hit "Lucille." His 1978 album The Gambler, which featured Rogers' signature song of the same title, was a smash hit. "The Gambler" won a aGrammy for Song of the Year and solidified Rogers as a country music superstar and pop crossover success. The song was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2018. Rogers racked up 24 No. 1 hits throughout his career, including "Lady," "She Believes in Me" and "Coward of the County," and collaborated with fellow country stars such as Dottie West and Dolly Parton. With Parton, his longtime friend, Rogers recorded several beloved songs, including the duets "Real Love" and "Islands in the Stream." In 2013, they reunited for "You Can't Make Old Friends." In 2015, Rogers announced his retirement, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family. Rogers launched a farewell tour in 2015, which he continued throughout 2017, but called off the remaining dates in 2018 due to health challenges. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association that same year. The country music legend, songwriter, actor and producer, passed away at his home in Georgia from natural causes on March 20, 2020. He was 81. According to a statement from Rogers' family, the singer “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family.” Rest in peace, Kenny Rogers. WideOpenCountry.com

From a DUI caught on camera to an award show scuffle, these unbelievable moments will make your jaw drop. Countdown, Country Music, Emotional Gift, Funny, Humor, Listicle, WOC

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Legendary singer-songwriter John Prine died Tuesday, April 7 from complications of COVID-19. He was 73 years old. Prine was an American treasure and revered as one of the great modern songwriters. After being discovered by Kris Kristofferson, Prine released his self-titled album in 1971, which included "Hello in There," "Sam Stone," "Illegal Smile," "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" and "Angel From Montgomery," which was famously recorded by Bonnie Raitt and is considered one of Prine's many signature songs. Prine also co-wrote David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" with his good friend Steve Goodman, a fellow member of the Chicago folk music scene. Throughout his incredible career, Prine was an inspiration to both his peers and aspiring singer-songwriters in the Americana scene. Kristofferson, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash named him among their favorite songwriters. The folk singer and songwriting hero was a mentor to many in the Nashville scene, including Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert. In 2019, Prine won Album of the Year at the Americana Music Honors and Awards. In 2020, he was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Read More: The 10 Best John Prine Songs, Ranked Prine's team took to social media on March 29 to announce that the Americana legend was hospitalized and in critical condition after having coronavirus symptoms. “After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms,” read the Instagram post, “John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26). He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical. “This is hard news for us to share,” the statement continued. “But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you.” The news came less than two weeks after John Prine's wife and business partner Fiona Prine's March 17 announcement that she'd tested positive for COVID-19. John was tested at the time, but his results came back as "indeterminate." "There's a chance he may not have this virus, and we are working really, really hard and being really diligent about all of the protocols. We are quarantined and isolated from each other and members of the family," Fiona said at the time. "It's hard, I won't lie, but it's absolutely important." Prine, who was a cancer survivor, and his wife, the former Fiona Whelan, ran the Nashville-based label Oh Boy Records, which released John's own music (including the Grammy-nominated 2018 album The Tree of Forgiveness) and, in the past year, music by country music outsider Kelsey Waldon and singer-songwriter Tre Burt. Prior releases include a live album by Kris Kristofferson. Word of Prine's condition broke while Nashville reeled over the death of Grand Ole Oprymember and Grammy winner Joe Diffie,the first mainstream country music star to pass away due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Associated Press reports that public health officials stress hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds and staying at home when possible as ways to prevent the pandemic's spread and to protect older adults, people with pre-existing health problems and other vulnerable populations. Be sure to visit us at WideOpenCountry.com

Northwest of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country lies the tiny Mason County. Home to less than 5,000 people, you'd never guess that this little Texas gem is home to a seriously cool historic landmark. The Seaquist House is the oldest standing mansion in the entire state and you can go visit it today. Rev. Thomas A. Broad first began construction on the three-story Victorian house on Comanche Creek all the way back in 1887. It was first sold to a New York banker, Edward M. Reynolds in 1891. Reynolds hired Richard Grosse, a German architect, to finish the house and make it even bigger. When he completed the home, it was a staggering 22-room masterpiece. Fun fact, Grosse also designed the county jail. Finally, Swedish immigrant Oscar Seaquist purchased the house in 1919. Though Oscar died in 1933, the Seaquist family lived in the house until his wife Ada passed away in 1972. Ada continued to maintain the property until her death though, refusing to let things get run down. She rented out rooms and filled the house with life. Garner and Clara Seaquist, Oscar and Ada's son and daughter in law, first started refurbishing the house following Ada's death. Despite already being busy operating the local Mi Pueblo Restaurantè, they opened the mansion in 1973 for public tours and the following year received a historical marker on the National Register of Historic Places. The Seaquist House Foundation purchased the property in 2015 and continues to maintain and update the house. The sandstone structure continues to stun with its wrap-around porches and incredible interior which includes a chapel and a ballroom (when will they rent this out for weddings?). Who knew this little piece of history was hiding in the Hill Country? The Seaquist House Foundation is working towards getting the mansion ready for local activities and events to be able to further boost their local tourism. You can learn more and donate to improving this historic mansion at seaquist.org.

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The country superstar puts his family first every day and has said that there is nothing more special than when they can be together.

Do you remember Ricky Van Shelton? The country music star scored big hits with "I'll Leave This World Loving You," "Keep it Between the Lines," "Hole in my Pocket," "I Meant Every Word He Said," "Wild Man," "Statue of a Fool" and his Dolly Parton duet "Rockin' Years." Over the course of his 20-year career, Shelton had 10 No. 1 hits and was among the ranks of timeless country singers like Conway Twitty, George Strait, Randy Travis and Garth Brooks. Shelton released his debut album Wild-Eyed Dream in 1987. The album, which spawned the hits "Crime of Passion," "Life Turned Her That Way," "Somebody Lied" and more, hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He followed up the album's success with his sophomore release Loving Proof, which featured "From a Jack to a King," "Don't We All Have the Right" and a the Hank Cochran-penned "He Got You," which was originally recorded by Patsy Clineas "She's Got You." Shelton would go on to release RVS III in 1990, Backroads in 1991, Greatest Hits Plus and gospel album Don't Overlook Salvationin 1992 and Making Plans in 1998. In May 2006, Shelton announced that he was retiring from country music to spend time with his family and his wife Bettye. The "I Am a Simple Man" singer had made enough money and decided to finally kick off his boots. Born in Danville, Virginiaand raised in Grit, Virginia, Shelton didn't need fame to be happy. For more check out WideOpenCountry.com