ArtistDirect News
FEMco Partners with Dolly Partons SongTeller Hotel for Monthly Female Artist Showcase in Nashville
On Tuesday, September 22 2026, downtown Nashville’s newest boutique hotel will stage an event that feels like a living tribute to the genre’s past and future. FEMco, the women‑focused platform founded by industry veteran Leslie Fram, has struck a partnership with Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel to launch a monthly showcase of female talent. The first show, titled FEMcountry at Parton’s Live, will open the hotel’s flagship entertainment space, Parton’s Live, with a conversation between Grammy‑nominated singer‑songwriter Jo Dee Messina and performances by emerging artists Kylie Frey, Ruby Amanfu and Shelly Fairchild.
The partnership marks the beginning of a recurring series that will convene every third Tuesday of the month. Tickets are already selling fast on the SongTeller Hotel website, a testament to the venue’s intimate capacity and the high profile of the lineup. The event promises to blend dialogue with music, offering audiences a chance to hear stories and songs that echo Dolly Parton’s own legacy of storytelling.
FEMco was launched in 2024 by Fram, who serves as senior vice president of music strategy for CMT and co‑founder of the Change the Conversation organization. The company’s production arm, FEMco Presents, has produced CMT’s Next Women of Country and hosted showcases in Georgia and Napa. Fram’s mission has always been to create tangible opportunities that elevate women in music, moving beyond talk to real, sustained action.
The SongTeller Hotel itself opened its doors in September 2026 as a 245‑room boutique property in Nashville’s downtown district. The hotel houses two live‑music venues, a museum that opened in October, and the restaurant Parton’s Live. Described as the hotel’s flagship entertainment space, Parton’s Live is where “stories are told and songs are born.” The design and programming of the hotel were conceived as a “love letter” to Nashville, weaving Dolly’s songwriting legacy into every corner.
Fram emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying, “FEMco has been committed to creating opportunities that elevate women in music – not just through conversation, but through action. Partnering with Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel is incredibly meaningful because Dolly has long been the gold standard for using her platform to lift others up.” Messina added, “I was asked to do this prior to Dolly’s passing, and it was such an honor. Being part of it feels even more meaningful now. The SongTeller is a reflection of who Dolly was. Her life was a song. To have the opportunity to mentor singer/songwriters feels like a natural part of her larger legacy.”
The inaugural lineup features Messina’s two‑Grammy‑nominated catalog, followed by fresh voices: Kylie Frey, who has carved a niche with her introspective songwriting; Ruby Amanfu, whose independent releases have garnered a growing fan base; and Shelly Fairchild, who has built a reputation through touring and grassroots promotion. Each artist brings a distinct flavor to the country and related genres, underscoring FEMco’s commitment to diversity within female representation.
Beyond the music, the series taps into a broader industry trend of creating dedicated spaces for women. By aligning FEMco’s advocacy with the cultural capital of Dolly Parton’s brand, the partnership offers a sustainable platform for female talent in Nashville’s competitive music market. It also serves as a living tribute to Parton’s legacy, allowing audiences to experience new music in a venue that embodies her influence.
As the first event approaches, the partnership underscores the continued importance of institutional support for women in country music. The monthly schedule suggests a long‑term commitment, and the collaboration may set a precedent for similar ventures in other markets. With each gathering, FEMco and the SongTeller Hotel reaffirm that elevating female voices is not just a momentary gesture but a sustained, industry‑wide imperative.
The partnership marks the beginning of a recurring series that will convene every third Tuesday of the month. Tickets are already selling fast on the SongTeller Hotel website, a testament to the venue’s intimate capacity and the high profile of the lineup. The event promises to blend dialogue with music, offering audiences a chance to hear stories and songs that echo Dolly Parton’s own legacy of storytelling.
FEMco was launched in 2024 by Fram, who serves as senior vice president of music strategy for CMT and co‑founder of the Change the Conversation organization. The company’s production arm, FEMco Presents, has produced CMT’s Next Women of Country and hosted showcases in Georgia and Napa. Fram’s mission has always been to create tangible opportunities that elevate women in music, moving beyond talk to real, sustained action.
The SongTeller Hotel itself opened its doors in September 2026 as a 245‑room boutique property in Nashville’s downtown district. The hotel houses two live‑music venues, a museum that opened in October, and the restaurant Parton’s Live. Described as the hotel’s flagship entertainment space, Parton’s Live is where “stories are told and songs are born.” The design and programming of the hotel were conceived as a “love letter” to Nashville, weaving Dolly’s songwriting legacy into every corner.
Fram emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying, “FEMco has been committed to creating opportunities that elevate women in music – not just through conversation, but through action. Partnering with Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel is incredibly meaningful because Dolly has long been the gold standard for using her platform to lift others up.” Messina added, “I was asked to do this prior to Dolly’s passing, and it was such an honor. Being part of it feels even more meaningful now. The SongTeller is a reflection of who Dolly was. Her life was a song. To have the opportunity to mentor singer/songwriters feels like a natural part of her larger legacy.”
The inaugural lineup features Messina’s two‑Grammy‑nominated catalog, followed by fresh voices: Kylie Frey, who has carved a niche with her introspective songwriting; Ruby Amanfu, whose independent releases have garnered a growing fan base; and Shelly Fairchild, who has built a reputation through touring and grassroots promotion. Each artist brings a distinct flavor to the country and related genres, underscoring FEMco’s commitment to diversity within female representation.
Beyond the music, the series taps into a broader industry trend of creating dedicated spaces for women. By aligning FEMco’s advocacy with the cultural capital of Dolly Parton’s brand, the partnership offers a sustainable platform for female talent in Nashville’s competitive music market. It also serves as a living tribute to Parton’s legacy, allowing audiences to experience new music in a venue that embodies her influence.
As the first event approaches, the partnership underscores the continued importance of institutional support for women in country music. The monthly schedule suggests a long‑term commitment, and the collaboration may set a precedent for similar ventures in other markets. With each gathering, FEMco and the SongTeller Hotel reaffirm that elevating female voices is not just a momentary gesture but a sustained, industry‑wide imperative.