Buckingham Palace paid tribute to American country music legend Dolly Parton on Wednesday morning, with the Coldstream Guards band performing her iconic song 9 to 5 during the traditional changing of the guard following her death at age 80.
The musical tribute took place in front of thousands of tourists gathered outside the royal residence in London, just one day after Parton died following a brief battle with cancer.
Members of the Coldstream Guards band, recognized for their ceremonial scarlet tunics and tall black bearskin hats, performed the famous country track as part of the morning ceremony. Video footage of the performance was later published on social media by the official account of the British royal family.
Writing on X, the royal family stated that they were remembering the late Dolly Parton, who brought joy, comfort, and inspiration to so many people. The post highlighted her extensive philanthropic work, including the millions of children who received free books through her Imagination Library initiative.
The message added that they would always love her, referencing one of Parton's most famous songs, alongside a heart emoji.
Royal absence and literacy advocacy
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were not present at Buckingham Palace to hear the tribute, as they are currently on their summer vacation at Balmoral in Scotland.
Queen Camilla, like Parton, focuses much of her philanthropic work on promoting literacy through her charity, The Queen's Reading Room. Following the news of Parton's death, the charity described the country star as an icon and an unwavering advocate for the cause.
In a statement posted on Instagram, The Queen's Reading Room noted that through her Imagination Library initiative and charitable efforts, Parton donated more than 300 million books to children over a period of more than 30 years.
The charity added that by putting so many books into the hands of children, Parton gave young minds the precious gift of imagination and opened the door to a lifelong love of reading.
Background on the royal guards and estate
Parton, born in 1946, achieved international fame over a career spanning six decades. She became one of country music's most celebrated figures through hit songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, while donating millions of books through her charity projects.
The Coldstream Guards, formed in 1650, is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. Known for their ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace, the administrative headquarters of the British monarch in London, the guards routinely perform musical and state honors alongside operational military duties.
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to mail free books to registered children from birth until they start school. Meanwhile, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire serves as the royal family's private Scottish estate, where King Charles and Queen Camilla traditionally stay during late August.
