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Classic Country News Archives for 2026-04

David Allan Coe Dies at 86

The legendary David Allan Coe has passed away at the age of 86. Coe died yesterday (4/29) around 5 p.m. in a hospital after spending time in the intensive care unit. As of now, an official cause of death has not been released.  David Allan Coe is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, with whom he marked his 16th wedding anniversary earlier this month. He also leaves behind five children.

photo credit: David Allan Coe / Public Domain

Blake Shelton's Bar Coming to Indy!

Today (4/29/26) Boxcar Development, an entity controlled by Herb Simon, and Opry Entertainment Group announced that Ole Red – the bar, restaurant and live music venue inspired by Blake Shelton – is coming to downtown Indianapolis. The new 37,000 square foot multi-level location will be located in the heart of the Fieldhouse District on S. Meridian Street. The venue, which is projected to open in late 2027, sits just blocks from the new Ritz-Carlton and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ole Red (@olered)


 

photo credit: DoD News

America's Most Popular Person

Dolly Parton is being crowned "America's Most Popular Person."  According to the University of Massachusetts Lowell poll, the singer is the most beloved figure in the country.  Other favorable public figures in the nation include former president Barack Obama and Taylor Swift.  Dolly came in at 50 points higher than Obama and 62 points higher than Swift. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)


 

photo credit: Eva Rinaldi

20 Millionth HOF Visitor

Trisha Yearwood was on hand this morning as Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated their 20 millionth visitor since moving downtown in 2001. The nonprofit museum has worked to collect and preserve the evolving history of country music through exhibits, publications, educational programs, and more since 1967. The museum is one of the most-visited history museums in the U.S., welcoming nearly 1.4 million visitors in 2025 alone. Yuli Sagi, along with her brother and parents traveled from Santa Clara, California to receive the recognition.

 

photo credit: Public domain

New Award for Toby Keith

Toby Keith's family accepted the late singer's newest award last weekend.  Keith was posthumously awarded the Special Directors' Award at the 65th Western Heritage Awards at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma.  The award "honors individuals, films, literature, and music that preserve and promote the culture, values, and history of the American West." Keith's wife, Tracia and their children were present to accept the award.  Last week, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt presented the family with a written proclamation declaring July 8th as "Toby Keith Day" in the state.  The country star passed away in February of 2024 following a battle with stomach cancer. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Toby Keith (@tobykeith)


 

photo credit: Staff Sgt. Miles Elder / Public Domain