HHS alumna Madalyn Ross sings for Dolly Parton at fashion exhibit

Hillsboro High School graduate Madalyn Ross and other members of the Lipscomb University Chorale choir sang for country music legend Dolly Parton Friday, Oct. 27 at the opening night of the “Dolly Parton & The Makers: My Life In Rhinestones” fashion exhibit at Lipscomb University.

The university is located in Nashville, Tenn. According to their website, “The University Chorale is the premier choir of the School of Music at Lipscomb University. This ensemble is open by audition to all Lipscomb students. All are eligible for scholarship through audition. The choir has toured throughout the United States.”

Ross, a 2023 HHS graduate as well as the class president and valedictorian, received a scholarship to be a member of the choir. She was president of the Hillsboro High School Symphonic Choir her senior year and credits her teacher Laura Jacky for her technical skills that gained her the position in the Chorale at Lipscomb.  

According to an article by Janel Shoun-Smith of Lipscomb University:

“Lipscomb University took that homespun wisdom to heart and decked out the Beaman Library and its John C. Hutcheson Gallery in rhinestones for its festive opening of the exhibit ‘Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones,’ which opened to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and runs through Dec. 9.

“The exhibit, a one-of-a-kind, limited time fashion event, offers a glimpse ‘behind the seams’ at 25 of global superstar Dolly Parton’s iconic outfits from throughout her storied career. It highlights the makers behind the looks, the songs, the stories, and the magic that happens behind the scenes.

“It is the first physical interpretation of Parton’s new fashion-focused book, 'Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones,' released on Oct. 17 and having already reached No. 4 on the hardcover nonfiction NYT Bestseller List.

“Friday, Oct. 27, brought a special VIP opening reception and ribbon-cutting where leaders of the Parton organization, Lipscomb officials and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell among others gathered to see Lipscomb President Candice McQueen and Parton herself cut the rhinestone be-decked ribbon on the exhibit.”

More information about the exhibit, and additional photos, can be viewed at Shoun-Smith’s complete article at: https://www.lipscomb.edu/news/dolly-parton-and-makers-exhibit-opens-ent….

Ross and the Chorale will perform again Nov. 28 for the "Lighting of the Green,” recording artist Amy Grant’s Christmas celebration.