This Day in Country History: May 13 On May 13, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded several significant certifications, while Dolly Parton, often referred to as the Queen of Country, released her album Blue Smoke. The day also marked the anniversary of numerous milestones in country music history, spanning decades and highlighting achievements by both established and emerging artists. The RIAA’s certifications on this date included Brad Paisley’s 2011 single “Waitin’ On a Woman,” which earned a Gold certification. Paisley, a long-standing figure in country music, has amassed numerous RIAA certifications throughout his career. Similarly, Kelsea Ballerini’s 2020 song “Homecoming Queen?” received a Platinum certification, reflecting its widespread popularity. Ballerini, who has 31 RIAA certifications, also received a People’s Choice Awards nomination for Country Artist of the Year in 2022 and has been recognized with multiple GRAMMY nominations. In 2021, Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert were nominated for the CMT Music Awards, with both artists receiving four nominations for the 2019 ceremony. Their inclusion underscored the growing prominence of female country musicians in the industry. The day also saw the release of Dolly Parton’s Blue Smoke album in 2014, which featured tracks like “Unlikely Angel” and “Banks of the Ohio.” Parton’s work continues to influence the genre, with her legacy celebrated as a cornerstone of country music. Cultural milestones on May 13 included the births of several iconic figures. Darius Rucker, who transitioned from rock to country music, was born in 1966 in Charleston, South Carolina.#dolly_parton #kelsea_ballerini #recording_industry_association_of_america #brad_paisley #maren_morris

Miley Cyrus admits the 'terrible habit' she learned from Dolly Parton Miley Cyrus revealed that she adopted a strategy from her godmother, Dolly Parton, by promoting a "Hannah Montana" 20th-anniversary special before it existed. The singer explained that Parton taught her to "promote something before it exists," a tactic that led to the creation of the milestone project. Cyrus shared the insight during an interview with Variety, emphasizing how the advice helped her navigate the entertainment industry. "I learned this terrible habit – but I actually think it was good advice – from Dolly," Cyrus said. "She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no." She described how she began pushing for the special despite its nonexistence, a move that ultimately paid off. Parton, whom Cyrus refers to as her godmother, has long been a mentor and role model. Cyrus, who rose to fame at 13 as Miley Stewart on the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana," now aims to support younger artists facing similar challenges. Recently, she reached out to Chappell Roan, a new-age pop star who publicly discussed struggles with fan harassment. "I never bow down to bullies. Anytime I feel like somebody is being bullied, I feel very protective of them," Cyrus told Variety. "When I see people struggling, I’m always the first one to ask, ‘Can I get in contact with them?’ I’d like to show artists how they can have a balanced life." Cyrus has embraced her "Hannah Montana" persona again as she celebrates the show’s 20th anniversary. She reflected on the experience of being a teenager in the spotlight, acknowledging the awkwardness of navigating fame while growing up.#miley_cyrus #billy_ray_cyrus #chappell_roan #dolly_parton #hannah_monstana

Miley Cyrus' godmother Dolly Parton inspired the revival of the Hannah Montana franchise through a piece of advice that became central to the project. Cyrus, who is reviving her pop star alter ego in a Disney+ special, credited Parton with teaching her the strategy of promoting something before it exists. The country music icon, 80, has been a close friend to Cyrus' parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus-Purcell, and appeared on three episodes of the 2006-2011 series. Cyrus shared this insight during an interview with Variety, stating, "She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no." This philosophy guided her efforts to bring the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special to life. Months before the March 24 premiere, Cyrus began teasing the project, sending fan reactions to Disney executives and emphasizing its importance to her career. Disney executive Charlie Andrews noted that Cyrus "willed" the special into existence, stressing that her focus remained on honoring the fans. The Hannah Montana series, which centered on the dual life of Miley Stewart, launched Cyrus' music career and spawned multiple platinum-selling soundtracks, including the Best of Both Worlds Tour, which grossed over $54 million. The show also served as a platform for her pop music growth, with her debut album Meet Miley Cyrus released alongside the Hannah Montana 2 soundtrack in 2007. The anniversary special, set to premiere on Disney+, will be hosted by podcaster Alex Cooper and feature musical performances from Cyrus, along with appearances from her parents. Cyrus reflected on the show's significance, calling it "the beginning of all of this" and acknowledging that without Hannah Montana, her current career wouldn't exist.#disney_plus #miley_cyrus #alex_cooper #dolly_parton #hannah_monstaa
