Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox
Numerous Dolly Parton tribute specials have aired across four different networks, all attracting impressive audiences for broadcast television at a time when viewership is traditionally low.
Since Dolly Parton’s passing on August 25, four different broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and The CW—have all aired tribute specials in her honor. Each has attracted a decent audience, especially for last-minute scheduled airings during a time when viewership is traditionally on the decline.
ABC aired the 1980 film ‘9 to 5’ on Sunday, August 30, bringing in an average of 4.275 million viewers in live and same-day ratings. Those numbers make the movie the most-watched on a broadcast network in almost four years. Even more impressive, it was also the most-watched film on ABC in nearly six years, since the network aired The Sound of Music on December 20, 2020.
On the day of Dolly’s passing, ABC also aired a special news segment, “Dolly Parton: An American Original — Special Edition of 20/20,” hosted by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir. This averaged 4.051 million total viewers across live and same-day ratings, making it the top program in its time slot—and beating CBS’ Parton special airing at the same time. It was also the highest-rated non-sports telecast in the 10PM time slot in three months, since May’s “Chicago P.D.” season finale on NBC.
Moreover, when considering multi-platform viewing on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, and other digital platforms, the airing of “Dolly Parton: An American Original” raked in 6.556 million viewers and was the most-viewed title on Disney+ and Hulu on August 26. That same day, NBC aired “Dolly: An NBC News Special,” hosted by Lester Holt, which initially saw just under 4 million viewers but has since grown to 4.5 million when Peacock viewership is considered.
It isn’t surprising that news of Dolly’s death shook the nation. In New York, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has even proclaimed September 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day to honor the superstar’s massive contributions to entertainment and philanthropy. The date—9/25—is a playful nod at Parton’s film (and song of the same name), ‘9 to 5.’
“Dolly Parton wasn’t just a legend of country music; she was one of the defining American icons of our lifetime,” said Hoylman-Sigal. “On behalf of 1.6 million Manhattanites, I’m proud to proclaim September 25, 2026, Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, in honor of her timeless contributions to music, culture, and humanity. We will always love you.”
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