Dolly Parton's enduring anthem "Jolene" has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Apple Music Top 100 USA chart, nearly 53 years after its initial release. The resurgence in popularity comes days after her death was confirmed, with several of her other iconic songs, including "9 to 5," "Islands in the Stream," and "I Will Always Love You," also soaring into the top 10.
"Jolene," featured on the 1974 album of the same name, achieved its chart-topping status on Wednesday morning, according to reports.
Parton, a celebrated figure in country music and a cultural icon, passed away Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, her representatives confirmed. Her death was announced with a statement highlighting her lifelong commitment to bringing "joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched."
The inspiration behind "Jolene" was revealed by Parton herself during a 2014 Glastonbury Festival performance. She explained to the audience that the song was loosely based on a real-life encounter with a bank teller who had caught the attention of her husband, Carl Dean. Parton recounted how she channeled her emotions from the situation into the song, which ultimately became a Grammy-winning hit and a significant part of her career.
Parton also shared the origin of the song's title, recalling a moment at one of her concerts where a young fan, an 8-year-old girl with striking red hair and green eyes, introduced herself as Jolene. Parton was so taken by the name's sound that she decided to use it for her song.
Alongside "Jolene," other Parton classics experienced renewed attention on the charts. "9 to 5," "Islands in the Stream" (a duet with Kenny Rogers), and "I Will Always Love You" (a song later famously covered by Whitney Houston) all made significant gains on the streaming platform.
Parton's passing prompted widespread tributes from various public figures, including Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Hillary Clinton. Her representatives noted her extensive philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library book-gifting program and funding for vaccine research, as integral to her lasting impact.