Dolly Parton posthumously scores a new radio hit as “Sons of Jolene,” her collaboration with Belles and final recording, debuts at No. 51 on the Country Airplay chart. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MAY 19: Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker’ at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on May 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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Last week, Dolly Parton’s music invaded charts all around the planet as millions mourned her loss. The country superstar died at the age of 80 after a relatively short and private battle with cancer, and the news of her passing shocked the world.
One week after many of Parton’s most famous tunes and successful albums either returned to various Billboard rosters or debuted, things are beginning to quiet down. That is a common sight whenever a major musician dies – there is typically one frame where consumption spikes dramatically before dropping off somewhat after the initial moment of surprise.
This week in America, many of Parton’s songs and albums are on the downswing, though a handful return and several tunes even reach new peaks. Parton also posthumously scores a new radio hit with what will be remembered as her final recording.
Dolly Parton’s “Son of Jolene” Debuts at Country Radio
“Son of Jolene,” Parton’s collaboration with singer-songwriter Belles, debuts at No. 51 on the Country Airplay chart this week. The radio roster is longer than many of Billboard’s other format-specific airplay lists, as it features 60 spaces, while nearly all of the company’s other similar rankings include only 30 or 40 positions.
Dolly Parton Has Scored Dozens of Country Airplay Hits
Parton has now racked up 29 career appearances on the Country Airplay chart. Amazingly, only two of those tracks have broken into the top 10 – perhaps even more surprisingly, both went all the way to No. 1.
Parton first conquered the Country Airplay chart in 1991 with “Rockin’ Years,” her collaboration with Ricky Van Shelton. More than a decade later, “When I Get Where I’m Going,” fronted by Brad Paisley and featuring Parton, also claimed one stint at the summit in March 2006.
Dolly Parton Has Charted Two New Radio Hits in 2026
“Son of Jolene” gives Parton her second new Country Airplay hit of 2026. Back in January, a remake of her single “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” featuring Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire and Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus opened at No. 41. That collaboration spent just one frame on the rundown before disappearing.
Dolly Parton Lands the Week’s Highest Debut
Only three tracks debut on the Country Airplay chart this week, and Parton and Belles collect the loftiest entry with “Son of Jolene” at No. 51. Closer to the bottom of the tally, Blake Whiten’s “Bet on That” and Joe Nichols’s “Say La V” arrive at Nos. 58 and 59, respectively.
“Son of Jolene” Is Dolly Parton’s Only Billboard Debut
“Son of Jolene” is the only Parton track to debut on any Billboard ranking this period, but her catalog remains extremely popular. Two of her most famous songs, “9 to 5” and the original “Jolene,” climb to new high points on various rosters.
Eight albums from Parton’s catalog also appear on at least one Billboard chart this time around. That roundup includes a pair of returning favorites, including a holiday set that suddenly becomes a bestseller again, months before the Christmas festivities begin.
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