Radio Rallies Around Dolly Parton After Her Death, Led by ‘9 to 5’
From 62 songs in a row in Nashville to deep cuts and cross-format airplay, programmers have responded to a loss unlike almost any other.
Dolly Parton's passing sent waves of tributes through U.S. radio, as stations altered their formats to feature her music and memories of the country icon. According to Mediabase tracking, Parton's recordings amassed over 13,300 spins within a week, a surge from roughly 620 spins previously. Her songs were aired on more than 930 stations, a substantial increase from around 135 stations.
Billboard's Country Airplay chart showcased Parton's extensive catalog, with 28 entries throughout her career, including legendary hits like "Rockin' Years" and "9 to 5," which received extensive airplay during tributes. In Nashville, iHeartMedia played a significant role in honoring Parton, with WSIX dedicating its entire airtime to her music and organizing a #GoodDeedsForDolly campaign. The company increased her presence on-air to multiple songs per hour, and launched a tribute channel on SiriusXM.
Personal connections to Parton's kindness were highlighted across radio, with Audacy stations launching expanded Parton playlists and special programming. Tim Roberts, Audacy's VP of country, recounted a touching encounter where Parton helped a young girl with congenital heart disease, demonstrating her compassionate nature. Stations across the South, Appalachia, and beyond tuned into her music, with satellite radio following suit, including the launch of a dedicated Dolly Parton Tribute Channel on SiriusXM.
Radio remembered Parton not just as a singer but as a songwriter and a true icon whose legacy resonated across generations and diverse audiences.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
