Madeleine O'Connell

Madeleine O’Connell

Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Ella Langley; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA

Ella Langley Takes the Stage for a Memorable Rendition of Dolly Parton’s Beloved Classic ‘Jolene’

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Langley’s signature twang brought a fresh sound to the familiar lyrics.

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Little Big Town; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA

WATCH: Little Big Town Delivers Uplifting Rendition of Dolly Parton’s ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

This memorable performance took place place during “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.”

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Ashley McBryde; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA

Ashley McBryde Pours Her Heart Into ‘Coat of Many Colors’ Tribute to Dolly Parton

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“To be chosen to sing ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ all I got to do is make her proud,” said McBryde.

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Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Molly Tuttle; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA

Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson Honor Dolly Parton’s Bluegrass Roots in Tribute Special

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

This powerful performances kicked off the two-hour tribute special.

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Photos Courtesy of Shelby Blackstock, Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire’s Son Shelby Blackstock and Wife Marissa Welcome Their Baby Boy

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The couple has officially introduced their son Shelby Archer McEntire Blackstock to the world.

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Kelsea Ballerini; Photo by Max Sternlicht / Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Kelsea Ballerini Launches Musicians On Call Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Hometown of Knoxville

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I know how important and magical these programs are. To be able to bring that here is truly a dream come true,” said Ballerini.

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Photo Courtesy of Dolly Parton

How to Watch Two-Hour Dolly Parton Tribute Special, ‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You’

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Find out everything you need to know about the tribute, including the performers, how to watch and more.

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Photo Courtesy of Matthew McConaughey, Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan Reflects on Nearly a Year of Sobriety and How It Changed His Life In A Conversation With Matthew McConaughey

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I feel like a kid again, ‘cause I wake up and I’m ready to go,” Bryan admits.

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Little Big Town, HARDY, Red Clay Strays; Photos Provided

Little Big Town, HARDY and Red Clay Strays To Perform At ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Nashville is preparing for another big New Year’s Eve celebration as CBS announces the return of New Year’s Eve Live:…

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Emily Ann Roberts; Photo by Matthew Berinato

Emily Ann Roberts to Embark On First-Ever Headline Run, ‘The Thread Tour,’ in 2027

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We’re thrilled to bring my music to 23 cities in the spring of 2027,” said Roberts.

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