The King’s Guard has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following news of her death – performing ‘9 To 5’ at Buckingham Palace.
The country music icon and philanthropist passed away on Tuesday (August 25), aged 80, following “a brief battle with cancer”. She had spoken publicly about her health in recent months, and in an update last week, told fans that she was dealing with issues she had neglected while caring for her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, before his death last year.
Following news breaking of her passing, there have been countless tributes pouring in from huge names 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, Beyonce and more.
Now King Charles’ army band have also paid their respects to the music icon, putting their own spin on her classic 1980 track ‘9 To 5’.
In a new video shared online, the musicians are seen standing in a semicircle outside Buckingham Palace, playing the song on brass and woodwind instruments, wearing red uniforms.
In a statement, the Royal Family wrote: “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 also did something similar following the death of Ozzy Osbourne last year – coming together to play ‘Paranoid’.
In light of Dolly’s passing, Donald Trump has paid his respects, and ordered that, for a full week, flags be flown at half-mast across the US in Parton’s memory.
On Truth Social, he said that Parton was “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER” and her passing came as “a true loss” for millions around the world. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he added.
Miley Cyrus – Parton’s goddaughter – has also paid 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 has paid tribute too at his show in London, performing a rousing rendition of ‘Jolene’, and her team have shared that the singer “worked up until the day she died” to create projects such as an avatar show and a Broadway musical.
As well as her music, Dolly Parton was known for her philanthropy, and her Imagination Library helped provide 300 million books to children around the world. She has also donated considerable sums of money to those affected by Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, and also to help fund 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.”
