Lifestyle  Music

Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton shares her condolences for the passing of our founder Patrick Gottsch

“There are those people that will live on forever, and Patrick is definitely one of those,” Ms. Parton said about the passing of RMG Founder and President Patrick Gottsch.

May 22, 2024 05:29 PM • 
RFD NEWS STAFF

Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away over the weekend at the age of 70. He was a champion of Rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. We are grateful for his leadership and innovation.

There has been an outpour of love, support, and condolences from friends, industry partners, western sports figures, and country music stars.
Recently, the Queen of Country Music and Tennessee, Dolly Parton, shared a message with us.

She stated:

“There are those people that will live on forever, and Patrick is definitely one of those people. Patrick changed the course of many people’s lives by providing all the wonderful entertainment that everybody could enjoy— especially rural people, as I am!”
Dolly Parton
Related Stories
Patrick with Grand Marshall ribbon.jpg
ABOUT RFD NETWORK
Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO on Hall of Fame Induction: “Patrick Gottsch holds a special place in our hearts”
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
September 05, 2025 11:10 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
J3gE9xR8.jpg
Music
Dolly Parton shares how her roots shaped her into who she is today, ahead of her Broadway Musical
August 11, 2025 02:31 PM
 · 
Currey McCullough
E3I0PGpR.jpg
National FFA Organization
WATCH: The Gottsch family and the National FFA have a deep relationship
February 20, 2025 08:18 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
3kyscg3u.jpg
Music
From Rags to Rhinestones: Dolly Parton discusses her Original Musical
January 28, 2025 02:02 PM
 · 
Currey McCullough
xWQ3dbgm.jpg
Feel Good Stories
Rural Media Group’s Patrick Gottsch receives place on the historic Texas Trail of Fame Memorial
October 28, 2024 11:23 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
PG.jpg
National FFA Organization
National FFA Honors the Late Patrick Gottsch with the Blue and Gold Award
October 25, 2024 10:30 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
2lW4KehA.jpg
News
Unmatched Dedication: Rep. GT Thompson paid tribute to our late founder, Patrick Gottsch on House Floor
July 25, 2024 02:54 PM
LBm4Kv7f.jpg
News
The 2024 Ag PhD Field Day pays tribute to Rural Media Group Founder Patrick Gottsch in their Memorial Garden
July 25, 2024 11:42 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
czOxYeS7.jpg
Washington Policy
Senator Pete Ricketts pays tribute to RMG founder Patrick Gottsch on the Senate floor
June 13, 2024 12:06 PM
Load More

Remembering Patrick Gottsch
RFD NEWS STAFF
RFD NEWS STAFF

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

B8UZHaJd.jpg
Sports
Midland County Junior Livestock Show: Swine Showcase
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
January 15, 2026 04:07 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
7wdH6fzf.jpg
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America: Rep. Erin Houchin Fights to Make Homeownership More Accessible
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
January 15, 2026 03:04 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
kkunewmN.jpg
Washington Policy
Record Crop, Rising Stress: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig Calls for Nationwide E15 and Farm Bill Certainty
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
b62W3J59.jpg
Agriculture
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Recaps Key Takeaways from AFBF Annual Convention
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
January 15, 2026 01:17 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
V8TM8zuA.jpg
Washington Policy
Rep. Dusty Johnson Outlines Ag Policy Priorities This Year on Capitol Hill
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Shelly_Muzzall_01_21_19_USA_WA_Three_Sisters_Farm_012.jpg
Washington Policy
House Ag Democrats Push Farm and Family Relief Act as SNAP Cost Shift Raises Alarm
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
ChrisAndTaylorMalpass_wPhotoCredit_1920x1080.jpg
Steam locomotive enters tunnel
fh-rh-season-seven_share image_960x720.png
Dailey&Vincent_NOLOGOS_20251203a_1920x1080.jpg
Mollie B
Malpass Brothers Show
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Trains and Locomotives
This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
FarmHER + RanchHER
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Dailey & Vincent Show
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Mollie B Polka Party
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.

ALL SHOWS