#SHOWBIZ: Country Queen's final gift: Dolly Parton prepares secret vault of unreleased music

NASHVILLE - Dolly Parton's music will endure long after her passing, but will new songs emerge from the Queen of Country? The legend has hinted at more to come. In 2022, Parton revealed in interviews that she sealed a secret song called "My Place in History" in a time capsule at her Dollywood resort, set to be opened sometime between 2045 and 2046, marking the 100th anniversary of her birth.

During an appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon, Parton shared her excitement about the unrecorded song, admitting she regretted the potential for it to deteriorate before being heard. In 2019, Parton told WNYC's Dolly Parton's America podcast that she had penned "hundreds, even thousands of songs," many of which remain unreleased.

She expressed her intent to create compilations and new original work, ensuring her music would continue indefinitely. While she did not delve into the specifics of how her estate would manage the rights, the prospect of future Parton tunes sparks anticipation. AI music expert Tina Tallon notes that a click track, which includes clicks or beeps like a metronome, could help preserve Parton's artistic vision.

By syncing her pre-recorded vocals with such a track, other musicians could arrange their performances accordingly. Parton's commitment to preserving her work and fostering community remains a testament to her enduring legacy.