Dolly Parton’s music is experiencing a major chart resurgence following the country legend’s death at age 80. Several of her best-known recordings have returned to Billboard’s charts as longtime fans revisit her catalog and new listeners discover her songs.
Billboard reports that “Jolene” and Parton’s original recording of “I Will Always Love You” have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 for the first time. The new peaks are remarkable because both recordings have been part of American music culture for decades.
Parton is also making a strong showing on Billboard’s global rankings. Her catalog has attracted a new wave of streaming and sales activity around the world. Her greatest-hits collection, “Ultimate Dolly Parton,” has also returned to the Billboard 200 top five.
The renewed interest shows the extraordinary reach of Parton’s songwriting. “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You” have crossed generations and genres. Whitney Houston’s famous version of “I Will Always Love You” also introduced Parton’s songwriting to an even larger pop audience.
Parton died Aug. 25. Since then, artists and fans have honored her through concerts, tributes and renewed listening. The chart movement provides a measurable look at how strongly listeners have responded.
For Parton, the latest chart achievements add another chapter to a career already filled with major milestones. Decades after their original releases, her songs are again reaching millions of listeners and setting new Billboard marks.
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