Paul Heaton has achieved his first number one album with "Jenius!," while Dolly Parton's iconic 1980 song "9 to 5" has finally entered the UK Top 40. The chart success for Parton's music comes amidst a wave of tributes to the Tennessee star.
"9 to 5," originally written for the film of the same name, earned Parton an Oscar nomination and topped the US charts. Its resurgence in the UK charts this week saw it reach the Top 40. Another of her popular songs, "Jolene," re-entered the chart at number nine, marking its highest UK placement since 1976. Parton's duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," also re-entered the chart at number 13, having previously peaked at number seven in 1983.
Furthermore, Parton's 2022 greatest hits collection, "Diamonds & Rhinestones," reached the Top 10 of the albums chart for the first time. Becca Monahan and Chris Austin, co-managing directors of the Official Charts Company, commented on Parton's enduring legacy. They stated that the chart returns are a "powerful reflection of the UK's enduring love for her music" and a "fitting celebration of Dolly's incredible life, career and lasting impact."