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Hip-Hop Lives Here
Willie Nelson has criticised the development of data centres and encouraged communities to unite and “fight” the construction of the large server facilities.
The country music legend has supported environmental causes for decades and helped establish Farm Aid. For more than 40 years, the organisation has assisted local farmers while challenging the expansion of industrial farming operations that threaten family operated land.
On Tuesday, July 28, Nelson posted an open letter on social media condemning environmentally harmful data centres throughout the United States. He also drew attention to the serious effects these facilities can have on nature and nearby businesses.
“I grew up in Abbott, and I still have a home there with farmed land where I can still see stars at night,” his post began. “And now our community, like many others, needs to fight against data centres invading our land.”
Nelson described the facilities as “loud”, “water-thieving” and “light polluting”. He added that “the last thing we need” is to have them located “anywhere near our town (or any others for that matter)”.
“The strength of rural America has never come from big industrial footprints. It comes from generations of people, open spaces, local businesses, and a connection to the land,” he wrote, adding that the nation deserves “thoughtful stewardship that doesn’t steal farmland” and small family farms, “not data centers that only destroy the environment around them.”
Bringing his message to a close, Nelson wrote: “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses. Let’s not allow our own demise or give up control over necessary resources in the US, and especially in Abbott”.
Concerns surrounding data centres are increasing across the United States because of the enormous quantities of water they consume, along with the land and electricity required to power AI services. Several areas around the country have already blocked or delayed new data centre projects in response to these issues.
According to Variety, Nelson has generated more than $70million (£52.6million) through Farm Aid to assist rural agricultural communities. He has also helped collect millions for military veterans, disaster survivors, and people experiencing hunger or homelessness.
Nelson released his latest project, ‘Dream Chaser’, in May, marking the 79th solo album of his career.
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Dolly Parton has contributed a major financial gift described as “transformational” to a children’s hospital.
Earlier this year, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital was officially renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital after the country music icon made a significant donation to the institution.
The hospital’s president and CEO Matt Schaefer has now spoken publicly about the impact of her contribution. Speaking with Chief Healthcare Executive, he explained: “What I can tell you is that she has made a generational and transformational commitment to Children’s and its mission.”
“That commitment is something that goes beyond our wildest expectations, that is beyond generous, and will be a lifeline for this mission for now and for years to come,” he continued. “And we’re excited about and humbled by her willingness to do so.”
Although Schaefer did not reveal the exact figure of Parton’s gift, he explained that her support places both the hospital and the surrounding community in a very strong and promising position.
The donation is expected to support several key areas, helping both young patients receiving care and the medical professionals responsible for their treatment.
In related news, Parton stepped back into the public spotlight last month for the first time in 2026 and gave fans an update on her wellbeing. This followed speculation about her health that began after comments from her sister last October.
After those concerns surfaced, Parton addressed the situation herself, explaining that she had experienced several “health challenges” that ultimately led her to cancel her planned Las Vegas residency.
“I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she shared, referring to the passing of her husband Carl Dean, whom she was married to for 58 years before he died last March.
“I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
Following Dean’s death, the country legend previously shared that she had paused work on new music while processing her loss, although she has since returned to creative work.
She added: “I’ve just been doing a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, a lot of praying and a lot of getting ready for a lot of new stuff coming up for the rest of this whole year. So, be ready for me. I ain’t done, I ain’t near done.”
In the period after his passing, Parton also said she was “doing better than I thought I would” and later released the emotional song “If You Hadn’t Been There” as a tribute to him. She explained that the track reflects how important he was in her life and how he helped shape who she became.
She also celebrated her 80th birthday by releasing a refreshed version of her 1977 song “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” in January. The new recording featured Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus as part of a celebration marking 50 years of the song.
U2 singer Bono also arranged a special surprise by sending a bagpiper to perform for her birthday. More recently, Parton also appeared in a pre recorded video tribute celebrating Ozzy Osbourne receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at last month’s BRIT Awards.
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