Music Icon Dolly Parton Achieves Historic First-Ever UK No. 1 Single
Dolly Parton's signature hit “9 To 5” is on track to become her first-ever U.K. No. 1 single, driven by a massive posthumous surge in streams and sales following her recent passing. Her classics “Jolene” and “Islands in the Stream” also see a significant rise, as other artists like Alex Warren, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo make their mark on the latest U.K. Singles Chart update.
Music legend Dolly Parton is on the verge of achieving her first-ever No. 1 spot on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, following a remarkable posthumous surge in streams and sales for her iconic hit “9 To 5.” The song, penned for the 1980 comedy film of the same name, had previously reached a new peak of No. 12 on the chart as of August 28. However, in the midweek update on August 30, “9 To 5” is now confidently tracking towards the summit, a feat that would mark the country music icon’s maiden U.K. No. 1 single. The Official Charts Company reported an astounding 350% week-on-week increase in streams and sales for the track.
Parton’s influence is also heavily felt elsewhere in the upper echelons of the U.K. chart. Her classic 1973 hit “Jolene,” which previously peaked at No. 7 upon its initial release, is currently positioned at No. 2. Additionally, her beloved collaboration with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” has climbed to No. 6, further cementing her enduring popularity across generations.
The resurgence in her music comes after the somber announcement on Tuesday, August 25, that Dolly Parton had passed away in Nashville at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer. The prolific singer, songwriter, and philanthropist had largely withdrawn from public life over the preceding 12 months due to unspecified health issues, which also led to the cancellation of her planned 2025 Las Vegas residency.
Throughout her illustrious career, which spanned several decades, Parton garnered numerous accolades. In 2024, Billboard staff honored her by naming her the top country artist of all time. She also holds the distinction of landing 49 albums in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, a record for any woman. Her 2023 album, Rockstar, a collection featuring rock covers and originals with guest appearances from luminaries such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking her highest position on that particular chart.
Beyond Parton's significant presence, the midweek update of the Official U.K. Singles Chart also features other notable entries. Alex Warren is poised to secure two new entries within the top 40 following the release of his second album, Wildchild, with “Cry Wolf” currently at No. 21 and “Emerald Eyes” at No. 23. Dua Lipa’s 2024 track “Training Season” is set for a return to the chart at No. 36, propelled by the release of her Training Season’s Over EP, which includes multiple live versions of the song. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo could add another chart entry with her politically-charged track “Serena Joy,” named after a character from The Handmaid’s Tale. The song lands at No. 39, following Rodrigo’s live performance of it at the recent Daisy Chains Festival in Irvine, California.