Dolly Parton says it’s time to listen to Christmas music

It’s only Labor Day, but Dolly Parton is already in a yuletide mood and hoping that others will join her after listening to her newly released version of “Mary, Did You Know?”

The song, which was written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, was first recorded by Michael English on his self-titled debut solo album in 1991. And, over the years, there have been many sterling versions of the tune, delivered by Jordan Smith, Pentatonix, Cee Lo Green, Clay Aiken and Kenny Rogers in a duet with Wynonna Judd, among others.

Yet, Parton’s version stands up with the best of the best — and it definitely can help you get in Christmas mood, even though Dec. 25 is still months away.

“‘Mary, Did You Know?’ is one of the greatest, sweetest, well-written songs that I’ve ever had the chance to sing on,” Parton says. “When I was recording it, I got very emotional. It is to me what Christmas is about, and I’m proud to be able to sing it for my upcoming album.”

You can listen to the song on all the usual streaming sites and on YouTube.

“Mary, Did You Know?” is the lead single from the upcoming release “A Holly Dolly Christmas.”

Tyler Perry’s House of Payin’: The producer a billionaire

Oprah Winfrey would be proud. Although media mogul Tyler Perry is still worth $1.5 billion less than Winfrey, he has become a billionaire, according to Winfrey once advised him to take control of his empire.

The business magazine calculated that Perry’s library of TV series and films — including his iconic Madea character, who stars in 11 movies — is worth $320 million. Tyler Perry Studios, built on a former Confederate army base, clocks in at $280 million.

But the producer didn’t always own $300 million worth of cash and investments, a $60-million stake in BET+ and $40 million in “homes and toys.” Born into poverty in New Orleans, Perry was once homeless, living out of his car while working on his first play.