Dolly Parton to be honoured by BBC as special tribute night announced

A dedicated evening of special programming on the BBC will pay tribute to country music superstar Dolly Parton. Airing on Saturday 19 September, the event features a series of performances from the US singer, who died aged 80 on 25 August after a brief battle with cancer. Showing on BBC Two, the special opens with Parton’s 2014 Glastonbury set on the Pyramid Stage during the Sunday afternoon Legends slot of the festival.

Parton delivered a string of her hits, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colours, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You, to a delighted crowd echoing the lyrics back to her. The schedule also features a documentary exploring the friendship and musical careers of Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris across several decades. The BBC Four film, Sisters in Country: Dolly, Linda and Emmylou, examines how their distinct takes on country music and personal bond helped unite their different audiences through their 1987 album, Trio.

Entertainment will finish with a look back at her best performances on the BBC, showcasing her enduring songwriting and the sense of humour that made her name in the 1970s. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Parton sold over 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including hits Coat Of Many Colours and Joshua. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial.

This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. She was a savvy businesswoman whose empire included the Dollywood theme park, as well as a pioneering philanthropist. Her Imagination Library, a book-gifting scheme aimed at inspiring a love of reading in children, has donated more than 300 million books to youngsters globally.

Tributes poured in from around the world, with musical figures including Miley Cyrus, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift and Beyonce detailing her impact as both a musician and humanitarian. Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, wrote on Instagram: “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.” The Dolly Parton night will air on BBC Two on Saturday 19 September from 9.15pm.

All programmes will be available on BBC iPlayer after transmission. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies