While the gaming world buzzed with anticipation for new trailers like Path of Exile 2 and the inevitable “GTA 5!!!” cries echoed through Twitch chat, a different kind of news dominated the conversation at Gamescom: the passing of legendary singer Dolly Parton. The outpouring of grief was palpable, even within the usually hyper-focused gaming community.
A Legend Remembered
Dolly Parton, an icon whose music transcended generations and genres, passed away peacefully at the age of 80. While not directly involved in game development, Parton’s influence subtly touched the world of gaming. She collaborated with Word With Friends and her songs “9 to 5” and “Odd Jobs” graced the soundtrack of the 2009 rhythm game Pop’n Music. (And let’s not forget her own pinball machine from 1979!).
Despite this limited connection, the news of Parton’s passing permeated Gamescom’s opening show, a testament to her widespread impact. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, eloquently captured the sentiment: “My family and I will always cherish our memories with Aunt Dolly, but we know that you all have your own special memories of her too. She was always there for you, whether it was on TV, on the radio, or in your CD players and playlists; she became a part of your family, whether you loved her music or not. Our family and the team responsible for preserving her legacy will continue to work to ensure that her spirit lives on forever. Dolly was like a farmer, tending to the land; she tended to the soil, [and she] grew songs and happiness.”
Perhaps this is what made Parton so universally beloved. She connected with people from all walks of life, not just country music fans or those familiar with her acting roles. Like games, Parton was a part of many of our childhoods. Her charisma was undeniable, and even in death, her memory overshadowed the excitement surrounding new game announcements at Gamescom.
Claire Lewis, a walking encyclopedia of Apex Legends lore, obsessed with creepy robots, a devotee of tabletop RPGs, and a professional lore hunter, spent over 1000 hours each exploring Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and she loves to talk about both. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys watching YouTube videos about early 2000s Japanese horror games, desperately awaits the sequel to ABZÛ, or complains about The Sims. She is currently writing a book about the collapse of the American public school system and eagerly anticipates the sequel to Alien: Isolation. She still hasn’t recovered from Titanfall’s undeserved fate.
You can find Claire on The Hellscape Formerly Known As Twitter @BranthiumBabe”>@BranthiumBabe and BlueSky @BeautyBot”>@BeautyBot. She has previously written for Polygon”>Polygon and Cultured Vultures Gaming”>Cultured Vultures Gaming.
“Playing like a girl” is a compliment.
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