Dolly Parton is often described as an American treasure — a rare artist whose voice, vision, and generosity transcend generations. But her reach extends far beyond the United States. Across the Atlantic, the queen of country remains a commanding presence on the Official Country Compilations Chart in the United Kingdom, where she continues to rewrite the record books nearly half a century into her career.
This week, Parton achieved a remarkable feat that only a few artists in history can claim — she replaced herself at No. 1.
💿 A Legend Reclaims Her Throne
Her beloved live album Live From London has surged back to the top spot on the U.K.’s Official Country Compilations Chart, unseating another of her own albums, The Very Best Of. The decade-old recording, which captures Parton’s dazzling 2008 concert performance in the British capital, has quietly re-emerged as the best-selling country compilation in the country.
For many fans, the return of Live From London feels both nostalgic and symbolic. It’s a reminder that Dolly’s connection with her U.K. audience — built on authenticity, humor, and sheer vocal power — remains as strong as ever.
The project originally debuted on the chart in December 2009, quickly climbing into the top 10 and reaching No. 1 within weeks. Now, more than a decade later, it’s back in that same position, having logged 99 total weeks on the chart — including 50 weeks inside the top 10 and 14 weeks at No. 1.
👑 Dominating the Charts — Again
While Live From London enjoys its renaissance, The Very Best Of gracefully steps down to No. 2, proving that even Dolly’s competition is… Dolly herself. Meanwhile, Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection remains steady at No. 6, giving Parton three simultaneous placements in the chart’s upper half — a testament to her enduring appeal.
Among these current titles, The Very Best Of continues to be her marathon success story, now charting for a staggering 381 weeks and counting. Only The Complete Trio Collection — her collaboration with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris — has surpassed it, holding a record 424 weeks on the chart and 53 weeks at No. 1.
🏆 A Career of Unmatched Longevity
Since first appearing on the Official Country Compilations Chart in 1994, Parton has landed 18 titles on the list. Every single one of them reached the top 10 — a near-impossible streak in any genre. Eleven of those albums have claimed the No. 1 position, a record of consistency that even pop megastars envy.
🎤 A Humanitarian Heart — and an Oscar on the Horizon
Beyond her chart domination, Parton continues to add to her remarkable résumé. Though she was set to begin her Las Vegas residency “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” at Caesars Palace this December, the shows were recently postponed until September 2026 due to undisclosed health reasons.
Still, she has another reason to celebrate: Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Academy Awards — her first-ever Oscar win. The honor recognizes individuals whose humanitarian efforts have profoundly impacted the world, a fitting tribute to an artist whose generosity is as legendary as her music.
After several nominations for Best Original Song, this award will finally earn her that long-awaited Oscar — inching the country icon closer to the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status.
For now, the message is clear: six decades after her debut, Dolly Parton remains unstoppable — a voice that time can’t quiet, and a spirit that continues to shine across every border.
