Artist Updates: Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton

Kelsea Ballerini Partners With Justice Lifestyle Brand

Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini partnered with Justice, the largest tween girl lifestyle brand retailer, to bring her debut album The First Time to select stores nationwide. Justice is known as a fashion destination for girls who are 7-14, offering fashion apparel and accessories in over 950 stores throughout the United States and Canada.

Ballerini, a Black River Entertainment artist, will perform at The Concert at The Classic presented by Justice at the 19th Annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, in New Albany, Ohio. Previous performers at the event include Fifth Harmony (2014), Ariana Grande (2013), Demi Lovato (2008), the Jonas Brothers (2007), and more.

MTSU Renames Veterans and Military Family Center To Honor Charlie Daniels

Charlie and Hazel Daniels, left, view the metal plaque given by MTSU acknowledging their gifts and those from The Journey Home Project for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center named in their honor. Celebrating the moment with them are MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, second from right, and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Charlie Daniels‘ longtime association with Middle Tennessee State University continues with the unveiling of a plaque and new logo for MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. MTSU recognized the couple, as well as The Journey Home Project Daniels co-founded to assist veterans, during a celebration Tuesday (Aug. 23) at the Miller Education Center. The 2,600-square-foot, $329,000 center is a one-stop-shop for MTSU’s approximately 1,000 student veterans and family members.

Additionally, Mike Krause, the new Tennessee Higher Education Commission executive director and a U.S. Army veteran, announced the awarding of a nearly $185,500 grant after THEC accepted the center’s proposal focusing on increasing veterans’ student success. The grant will fund a full-time transition manager, a graduate assistant for communications, student travel to conferences, and travel for the transition manager/employing agent.

“It’s an extreme honor having my wife and myself named for the veterans center,” Daniels said. “I accept the honor on behalf of The Journey Home Project. We are just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life.”

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, right, visits with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and Charlie Daniels. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who is on the Nashville Serving Veterans Community Board, said, “The work of the Veterans and Military Family Center changes many lives for the better, opening new opportunities up to veterans so they have every chance to reach their potential and continue serving their communities and their country in new ways. Thank you to Charlie and Hazel Daniels for everything they’ve given to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans. The renaming of the center is a fitting tribute to Charlie, Hazel and their many contributions.”

Daniels’ second Volunteer Jam was held in MTSU’s Murphy Center. The university presented him with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award in 2009. The Danielses and The Journey Home Project gave separate $50,000 (for computers and technology) and $70,000 gifts to the Veterans and Military Family Center in 2015 and ’16. MTSU renamed the facility the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in April.

Dolly Parton Teams With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store For Deluxe Album Release

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced Dolly Parton as its latest Spotlight Music artist. The singer will exclusively release a deluxe version of her album Pure & Simple via Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online on Friday (Aug. 26).

The deluxe offering features 10 new tracks inspired by Parton’s East Tennessee roots. The project will include content exclusive to Cracker Barrel, including two versions of the singer’s chart-topping hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival and a 48-page magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton.