Country music legend Dolly Parton is poised to achieve her first-ever UK number one single posthumously, nearly a week after her death at age 80. The singer, who died following a brief battle with cancer, has seen a significant resurgence in popularity, with her 1980 hit "9 To 5" climbing steadily up the UK charts. Originally peaking at number 47 upon its release, the song reached number 12 last week and is now projected to claim the top spot in the official singles chart this Friday, according to early sales and streaming figures.
Parton's impact on the UK charts extends beyond "9 To 5." Her 1974 classic "Jolene" has surged to number two, while her duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," is currently at number six. This renewed interest reflects a widespread outpouring of respect and admiration from fans and the music industry alike following her passing.
Throughout a career spanning six decades, Parton never previously reached number one in the UK charts despite winning 11 Grammy Awards and earning critical acclaim worldwide. "9 To 5" was written for the film of the same name, which marked her acting debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song also earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and three Grammy nominations. The film, a comedy about three women plotting revenge on their sexist boss, helped establish Parton as a star in Hollywood as well as in music.
Tributes have come from across the entertainment world and beyond. Artists such as Taylor Swift praised Parton’s enduring influence, describing her as a figure of “true grace and true grit.” Rock icons Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Paul McCartney also acknowledged her inspirational role in their careers. Public figures including former U.S. President Barack Obama and author Julia Quinn joined in mourning, while Jane Fonda expressed being “devastated” at the loss of her longtime collaborator and friend.
Parton was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee, alongside her late husband, Carl Dean. Her family stated that she had requested a small, private funeral. Her niece, Lainey Mae Parton, honored her aunt’s legacy on social media, noting how Dolly encouraged her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams.
As the UK charts reflect a renewed embrace of Parton’s work, the posthumous success of “9 To 5” serves as a testament to her enduring appeal and influential presence in both music and popular culture.