Dolly Parton was honored in a deeply moving and unique way outside Buckingham Palace, as the Band of the Coldstream Guards performed her iconic song “9 to 5” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The musical tribute to the legendary American singer, who passed away at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, took place on Wednesday morning in front of dozens of tourists gathered outside the palace.
Dolly Parton: “9 to 5” echoes outside Buckingham Palace
The new guard, the 12th Company of the Irish Guards, dressed in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin caps, marched alongside the Band of the Coldstream Guards from the nearby Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace. During the ceremony, the musicians chose to pay tribute to the “Queen of Country” by performing “9 to 5,” one of the most recognizable songs of her storied career.
The video of the moment was shared on the Royal Family’s official social media accounts, accompanied by a heartfelt message honoring the artist and her extraordinary philanthropic legacy.
“Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many — including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always love you.”
Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always ❤️ you. pic.twitter.com/wdKHKGALlH
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 26, 2026
Dolly Parton’s remarkable legacy for children
Queen Camilla’s charitable foundation, The Queen’s Reading Room, also paid special tribute to Dolly Parton, praising the singer’s extraordinary contribution to promoting literacy through her Imagination Library.
“Today we remember and celebrate the unwavering champion of the joy and importance of reading, the icon, Dolly Parton,” the foundation wrote in an Instagram post.
The organization also recalled one of the beloved American star’s most memorable quotes: “You can never reach enough children with enough books,” noting that she put this belief into practice on a truly remarkable scale. Through her Imagination Library, she donated more than 300 million books over the course of more than 30 years.
The Queen’s Reading Room’s tribute to Dolly Parton
Queen Camilla’s foundation placed particular emphasis on the enduring legacy Parton leaves behind through her lifelong work for children and their access to books.
“By putting so many books into the hands of so many children, she gave the most precious gift of all: the opportunity for millions of young minds to open the door to imagination, possibility, and a lifelong love of reading. Thank you, Dolly!”
The performance of “9 to 5” outside Buckingham Palace served as a symbolic musical farewell to an artist who left her mark not only on the global music scene, but also through decades of tireless social and philanthropic work.
