The passing of Dolly Parton has triggered a wave of tributes, record-breaking streaming numbers, and renewed appreciation for her decades of philanthropy, according to Local 4 Lifestyle Editor Jon Jordan.
Streaming of Parton’s music surged 2,458% the day of her death, jumping from 1.2 million to 30.5 million streams and briefly making her the most-streamed artist in the world. Fans have also snapped up vinyl, cassettes, CDs and merchandise, including her signature butterfly accessories.
Jordan noted that Parton belongs to a rare group of stars known simply by their first name. “I think Dolly joins a short list of first names whom, when you think of them, you think immediately of only one person. Marilyn, Elvis, Lucy, and now Dolly.”
Beyond her music, Parton’s charitable legacy looms just as large. Her philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library book program, are estimated at more than $500 million. “You know, she was all about glamor, but she was just as much about giving,” Jordan said.
The outpouring has extended beyond fans, too - the nonprofit PassItOn.org has put up billboards nationwide bearing Parton’s image and a simple message: find the good in everybody.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.