MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Reaction continues to pour in following the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton as fans across Middle Tennessee and the world honor her memory. MTSU's Andrew Oppmann sits down with Beverly Keel, dean of the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, to reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of the iconic artist.

Keel, a former music industry executive, journalist, and advocate for empowering women in music, interviewed Parton multiple times over her career. During the tribute, Keel shared personal memories of her interactions with Parton, highlighting her sharp business mind and artistic control. Parton built a massive entertainment empire while maintaining complete ownership of her music publishing rights, blazing a trail for female artists in a male-dominated industry.

The discussion also emphasized Parton's personal character, noting that she treated everyone with equal respect regardless of their status. Keel detailed Parton's tremendous charitable footprint across Middle Tennessee and beyond, focusing heavily on her creation of the Imagination Library. That program has mailed tens of millions of free books directly to children's homes to promote early childhood literacy worldwide.

Rutherford County residents and fans across the region can view the full interview on Big G TV.