Dame Maggie Smith was one of the greatest actresses of her time. Whether you knew her from *Harry Potter* or *Downton Abbey*, her absence will be deeply felt.
Keep reading to find out about her last public appearance just a few months ago!
Actress Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her role as Professor McGonagall in *Harry Potter* and Violet Crawley in *Downton Abbey*, has passed away at the age of 89, her family shared.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released a joint statement saying, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”
The statement continued, “She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. A very private person, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are heartbroken by the loss of their amazing mother and grandmother.”
The family also thanked the hospital and its staff, saying, “We want to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days.”
The family ended the statement by saying, “We are grateful for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.
The news of her death is a big surprise. The last time she was seen in public was last year at the Wimbledon men’s singles finals. She dressed up nicely for the event, wearing a navy blue shirt dress with a chic dotted pattern. She paired it with black leather heels and a blue overcoat. She also carried a matching navy leather bag over one shoulder.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore pink lipstick to finish her look.
Since it was rare for the actress to make public appearances, fans were naturally surprised to see her out.
When pictures of her were posted online, people were happy to see her. One person commented, “So elegant!” Another said, “You look so beautiful,” and someone simply added, “Amazing.”
At 77, Dolly has confirmed that the rumors are true. I don’t care who you are or what you think of Dolly Parton, this is a courageous step for her to take, and we wish her the best
Dolly Parton has been there and done pretty much all there is to do in the music industry.
And yet… and yet the country music icon is still finding ways to challenge herself and broaden her scope of magnificence.
As per reports, fans the world over are reacting with joy over reports that Dolly is finally set to release her first-ever rock album! You may remember that the 77-year-old was inducted into the Hollywood Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, one year on from having turned down the nomination as she felt she hadn’t “earned the right”.
Though Dolly eventually accepted her entry, it would appear she’s eager to ensure no one can say she doesn’t belong. Dolly previously promised to release a rock album to commemorate her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we now have a release date!
If sources are to be believed, Parton was initially reluctant to be in the conversation for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Jolene singer was said to be of the opinion that since her career consists mostly of country music, others were perhaps more suited.
In the end, however, the people spoke, and voters decided that Dolly did belong there. In November 2022 she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and immediately set about trying to ensure that her selection was justified.
Her new rock album is now one step closer to becoming a reality, with Dolly herself having confirmed it will be titled ‘Rockstar’ and is due to drop November 17.
As per reports, there are 30 tracks in total on the album, nine of which are original. The remaining 21 consist of collaborations with other artists and feature new versions of tracks made famous by said featuring artist. A new take on Every Breath You Take by Sting will be on the album, for example, as will Wrecking Ball by Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus
Other distinguished guests set to appear on the album include Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, and Steven Tyler.
Reflecting on her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly told The View earlier this year:
“I just didn’t feel like I had earned it but they explained to me why I was in it and all that so I said, ‘Well, if you insist on giving it to me, I’ll take it’.”
“But if I’m gonna be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’m gonna have to do something to earn it.”
The full list of songs on the album is reportedly as follows:
‘Rockstar’ (special guest Richie Sambora)
‘World on Fire’
‘Every Breath You Take’ (feat. Sting)
‘Open Arms’ (feat. Steve Perry)
‘Magic Man’ (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
‘Long As I Can See the Light’ (feat. John Fogerty)
‘Either Or’ (feat. Kid Rock)
‘I Want You Back’ (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
‘What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done for You’ (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
‘Purple Rain’
‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ (feat. Peter Frampton)
‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’ (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
‘Night Moves’ (feat. Chris Stapleton)
‘Wrecking Ball’ (feat. Miley Cyrus)
‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
‘Keep on Loving You’ (feat. Kevin Cronin)
‘Heart of Glass’ (feat. Debbie Harry)
‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ (feat. Elton John)
‘Tried to Rock and Roll Me’ (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
‘Stairway to Heaven’ (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
‘We Are the Champions’
‘Bygones’ (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
‘My Blue Tears’ (feat. Simon Le Bon)
‘What’s Up?’ (feat. Linda Perry)
‘You’re No Good’ (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
‘Heartbreaker’ (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
‘Bittersweet’ (feat. Michael McDonald)
‘I Dreamed About Elvis’ (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
‘Let It Be’ (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
‘Free Bird’ (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)
As per Billboard, Dolly said in a statement: “I am very honoured and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time, and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure.
“I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
I’m so happy to see Dolly still making music and still enjoying her work even at 77!
Are you a fan of Dolly Parton and her music? Let us know in the comments box.
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