Dolly Parton received a fitting musical farewell outside Buckingham Palace. The country legend’s unmistakable catalog reached one of Britain’s most famous royal landmarks just one day after her death. The tribute brought “9 to 5” into the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. It also came with a heartfelt message from the royal family about Parton’s lasting impact.
King Charles’ Guard honors Dolly Parton outside Buckingham Palace
The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed Parton’s “9 to 5” on Wednesday, Aug. 26, during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Scores of tourists gathered near the palace gates as the instrumental version echoed across the forecourt. The new guard, Number 12 Company Irish Guards, marched to the palace with the band.
The royal family’s official account also shared footage of the Dolly Parton tribute. Its message remembered the singer for bringing “joy, comfort and inspiration” to millions.
The post also highlighted Parton’s Imagination Library. The literacy program has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide.
The royal message ended with a nod to another Parton classic: “We will always ❤️ you.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla were at Balmoral rather than Buckingham Palace during the ceremony. Still, Camilla’s Queen’s Reading Room also honored Parton and praised her commitment to children’s literacy.
The Dolly Parton “9 to 5” performance came after Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25. Her official website said she died peacefully in Nashville.
Tributes have since poured in from music stars and Hollywood figures around the world.
Parton also had a long connection to Britain’s royal family. She performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 and later remembered meeting the monarch warmly.
For fans gathered outside Buckingham Palace, however, Wednesday’s tribute kept things wonderfully simple. One of Parton’s most recognizable songs became part of a centuries-old royal tradition.
