The BBC has made major changes to its television and radio schedules to honour Dolly Parton following the country music icon's death. A host of special programmes and archive performances are being made available to celebrate the life and career of the legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist.
Glastonbury performance to air on BBC Four
Fans will be able to look back at some of Dolly's most memorable performances and interviews, including her unforgettable appearance at Glastonbury. Dolly Parton at Glastonbury 2014 will air on BBC Four on Friday, August 28, at 9.20pm, while the full performance is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The complete set, recorded at the Pyramid Stage during the festival's now-traditional Legends' slot, will also feature as the second hour of Sounds of the 70s on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday, August 30, from 4pm.
Radio tributes and archive interviews
The BBC Radio 2 programme will also pay tribute to Dolly, with Shaun Keaveny remembering the star alongside former Sounds of the 70s and Radio 2 Country presenter Bob Harris. Harris interviewed Dolly for the BBC in 2023, while listeners will also hear an archive conversation between the singer and the late Johnnie Walker.
There will also be a chance for fans to hear Superfans! Of Dolly Parton on BBC Radio 6 Music at 11pm on Wednesday, August 26, with the programme already available on BBC Sounds. The special originally aired earlier this year to mark Dolly's 80th birthday and explores the passionate fan community surrounding the country icon. Amy Lamé looks at how Dolly's warmth, humour and songwriting have inspired generations of fans from all walks of life.
Five decades of BBC performances
Meanwhile, The Country Show: Dolly Parton at the BBC is now available on BBC Sounds, bringing together five decades of Dolly's BBC interviews and performances. The programme includes her first UK performance at the Empire Pool in Wembley in 1976, as well as conversations with David Allan on Country Club, Michael Parkinson and Ross Kelly on The Heaven and Earth Show.
It also features highlights from her triumphant 2014 Glastonbury appearance. Another special, The Country Show: Dolly Parton: The Fan's Story, is also available on BBC Sounds. Originally broadcast to mark Dolly's 80th birthday, the programme looks at her extraordinary journey and the lasting impact she has had on music, film, fashion and popular culture.
Famous faces pay tribute
A host of famous faces pay tribute to the star, including Luke Combs, Debbie Harry, Melanie C, Gloria Estefan, Mark Ronson, Suzi Quatro, Scotty McCreery, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Jake Shears, Ashley Monroe, Dasha, La Voix and Jane McDonald.
They are joined by Radio 2 favourites Michael Ball, Michelle Visage, Zoe Ball and Bob Harris, who share their own memories and reflections on Dolly's influence. The programme celebrates everything from her distinctive style and huge musical legacy to her acting career, live performances, humour and remarkable ability to repeatedly reinvent herself. Both programmes are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
