The death of country music legend Dolly Parton has sparked a dramatic revival of interest in her music, with her songs recording a 1,280 per cent increase in global streams within a single day.
Parton’s songs rose from about 2.5 million streams on Monday to 35 million on Tuesday, reflecting renewed global interest in the singer-songwriter’s extensive catalogue.
In the United States, several of Parton’s best-known songs recorded significant increases. “Jolene” climbed from about 196,200 streams to 2.7 million, while “9 to 5” rose from approximately 208,600 to 2.3 million.
Her duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” also surged from about 165,900 streams to 1.8 million.
Meanwhile, Parton’s original recording of “I Will Always Love You” jumped from roughly 64,900 streams to 1.7 million. The song later became globally renowned through Whitney Houston’s version.
“Here You Come Again” rounded out the top five, increasing from about 48,700 streams to 1.3 million.
Beyond music, tributes to Parton are also continuing in the film world. AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron announced screenings of two of the late star’s most popular films, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “Steel Magnolias,” at the AMC Broadway theatre in New York City.
Parton starred alongside Burt Reynolds in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, while Steel Magnolias featured an ensemble cast including Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.
The films form part of a screen career that included about a dozen movies, among them the 1980 hit “9 to 5,” Rhinestone and Straight Talk.
Parton’s legacy, however, extends far beyond acting. She was celebrated as a country music pioneer, songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur whose influence crossed generations and genres.
The surge in streaming following her death underscores the enduring power of her songwriting and the lasting place of her music in popular culture.
