The King’s Guard has honored Dolly Parton with a tribute performance of her iconic hit ‘9 to 5’ at Buckingham Palace following the legendary singer’s passing.
The country music icon and philanthropist died on Tuesday (August 25) at age 80 after “a brief battle with cancer.” She had spoken publicly about her health in recent months, sharing with fans that she had been addressing health issues she had neglected while caring for her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who passed away last year.
Following news of her death, tributes have poured in from numerous high-profile figures including Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Oprah, Barbra Streisand, Jack White, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kelly Clarkson, Debbie Harry, Shania Twain, Barack Obama, and Beyoncé.
King Charles’ army band has joined in honoring the music legend, putting their own spin on her classic 1980 track ‘9 to 5.’
In a video shared online, the musicians are seen standing in a semicircle outside Buckingham Palace, performing the song on brass and woodwind instruments while wearing their signature red uniforms.
The Royal Family released a statement reading: “Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always you.”
The King’s Guard previously offered a similar tribute following Ozzy Osbourne’s death last year, coming together to perform ‘Paranoid.’
Following Parton’s passing, Donald Trump has also paid his respects, ordering that flags be flown at half-mast across the United States for a full week in her memory.
On Truth Social, he described Parton as “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER,” noting that her death represented “a true loss” for millions worldwide. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he added.
Miley Cyrus—Parton’s goddaughter—shared her own tribute, writing: “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Jack White honored Parton at his London concert, delivering a rousing rendition of ‘Jolene.’ Her team confirmed that the singer “worked up until the day she died” on projects including an avatar show and a Broadway musical.
Beyond her musical achievements, Dolly Parton was celebrated for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library provided 300 million books to children around the world. She also made significant donations to those affected by Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, as well as funding vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an NME obituary for Parton, Jordan Bassett wrote: “As we all reel from Dolly Parton’s death, that glorious 2014 Glastonbury set may prove a balm. Introducing ‘Coat Of Many Colors’, her 1971 country hit about a patchwork coat sewn by her mother, this humble ‘farmer’s daughter’ paid tribute to her family’s love and resilience. Resplendent in her rhinestone suit, she embodied both qualities as a unifying icon. The world has become more divided since that set, but everyone will always love Dolly.”
