Hello and Happy Friday, folks!
Audience Editor Edgar Ramirez here, back in your inbox with the latest from the Out100 gala.
For the millions who loved Dolly Parton, she was a country music legend and a steadfast LGBTQ+ ally. For Stella Parton, she was also the big sister she talked with just about every day.
That personal connection took center stage Thursday night at the Out100 gala at Sunset Room & Laya in Los Angeles, where Stella Parton accepted The Advocate’s 2026 Advocate of the Year award on her late sister’s behalf.
“The thing that I miss most about talking with her just about every day is her optimism,” Stella Parton said. “And I want you to keep that alive.”
Also in attendance was her longtime friend and costar on the 1980 film 9 to 5, Lily Tomlin, who helped celebrate Dolly's legacy.
“It feels so comforting to be surrounded by so many people, friends and fans who love and admire Dolly the way I do,” Tomlin told the audience.
Out MS NOW host Eugene Daniels also had a message to share.
Check out the full coverage from the event here.
Until next time!
NEW! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Advocate Journalism Project to directly support LGBTQ+ journalism. Help us expand our Washington, D.C., bureau to bring you more breaking news from the nation's capital and fund crucial investigative reporting, compelling video reports, and sustain our 60-year print archive, a history of the queer civil rights movement.
At Out100, Eugene Daniels asked the people making history to support the people covering it
Presley Ann/Getty Images for Out.com/equalpride
Washington AG’s office won’t defend voter-approved trans sports ban as families sue to stop it
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
‘Dolly loved every one of you,’ Stella Parton tells LGBTQ+ fans at Out100 gala
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Lily Tomlin remembers Dolly Parton as a friend and legendary LGBTQ+ ally at Out100 gala
Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
Dallas wants Gina Hinojosa to put the rainbows back where Greg Abbott said they didn’t belong
Mikala Compton/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images
Andrew Scott praises queer ‘resilience’ and ‘friendship’ in Out100 speech
Presley Ann/Getty Images for Out.com/equalpride
Robert Garcia demands answers as Trump officials offer few details on nationwide ground stop stranding flyers
Caroline Brehman / AFP via Getty Images)













