Dolly Parton reaches UK streaming chart top 10 for first time after death

Dolly Parton is one of the bestselling musical artists of all time, but like many acts that have sold tens of millions—if not 100 million albums or more—much of her commercial heyday occurred before the streaming era. While Parton was part of the streaming revolution, she never achieved the same level of success on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music as she did with traditional record sales and radio play.

Following her death at age 80 after a private battle with cancer, Parton’s albums and songs have surged on music charts across the United Kingdom. Several of her full-length albums and compilations have returned to various rankings or reached new peak positions, while a number of her signature songs have become hits once again. On one streaming-only chart, Parton has entered the top 10 for the first time in her career.

Dolly Parton Hits the Streaming Top 10 for the First Time

Diamonds & Rhinestones – Greatest Hits has reentered the Official Albums Streaming chart at No. 4 this week. This U.K.-specific ranking tracks the albums and EPs with the most streams on platforms across the nation. As the compilation breaks back onto the tally, it reaches a new high point, and Parton achieves a never-before-seen peak. The superstar has entered the top 10 on this roster for the first time.

Dolly Parton Has Only Charted Two Streaming Wins

Parton has placed only two projects on the Official Albums Streaming ranking, and Diamonds & Rhinestones is easily her highest-performing entry. The Very Best Of brought her to the list for the first time, peaking at No. 63, though it has proven to be a durable winner, spending a total of 42 weeks on the roster. Diamonds & Rhinestones debuted on the streaming tally in January 2023 at No. 99 and quickly disappeared. With its return at No. 4, this marks only its second appearance on the chart.

Dolly Parton Scores Her Sixth Top 10 Album

Diamonds & Rhinestones reaches a new peak on two U.K. charts this frame. In addition to its streaming surge, the compilation reenters the Official Albums chart at No. 6. That placement easily surpasses its previous best of No. 32, which it achieved in December 2022.

This comeback gives Parton her sixth top 10 on the U.K.’s main albums ranking. She has previously reached that competitive tier with:

• Rockstar
• Pure & Simple
• Blue Smoke – The Best Of
• Better Day
• The Very Best Of

Diamonds & Rhinestones Returns to Three More Sales Charts

Parton’s compilation has simultaneously rebounded onto three purchase-focused rankings. Following a sudden uptick in sales after her death, Diamonds & Rhinestones returns to the following charts:

• Official Physical Albums: No. 38
• Official Albums Sales: No. 40
• Official Album Downloads: No. 43

Dolly Parton Nearly Replaces Herself at No. 1

Diamonds & Rhinestones also surges from No. 7 to No. 2 on the Official Country Compilations chart, where it is blocked from another turn at the summit by another Parton bestseller. The Very Best Of reenters the list at No. 1, while yet another collection, The Essential, breaks back in at No. 3—just one spot below its all-time high. Parton now claims the entirety of the top three positions.

While Diamonds & Rhinestones may not rule this frame, it has already spent 34 weeks at No. 1 during its 197-week run on the chart, including a months-long stretch in charge after its debut several years ago.

Source: Forbes — Dolly Parton Hits No. 1 On One Chart For The First Time Days After Her Death, by Hugh McIntyre