Entertainment
Dolly Parton television tributes draw millions across major networks
Broadcast networks saw significant viewership spikes following the music icon's death, led by ABC's broadcast of '9 to 5.'
The short version
- Broadcast tribute specials and movie airings honoring Dolly Parton attracted millions of viewers across ABC, CBS, NBC, and The CW in late August.
- ABC's broadcast of the 1980 movie '9 to 5' averaged nearly 4.3 million viewers, marking the highest broadcast film audience in over three years.
- Multiple network news divisions reported ratings increases, including their highest regular or special viewership in months.
Key facts
- Dolly Parton died of cancer on August 25 at the age of 80.[Variety]
- ABC's August 30 broadcast of '9 to 5' drew 4.275 million viewers, becoming the most-watched broadcast network movie since December 2022.[Variety]
- CBS's 'Entertainment Tonight' special 'Remembering Dolly: A Rhinestone Life' averaged 5.326 million viewers on Sunday night.[Variety]
- ABC's '20/20' special on Parton averaged 4.051 million viewers on August 25 and ranked as the top-viewed title on Disney+ and Hulu on August 26.[Variety]
- NBC's tribute special drew 3.952 million initial viewers, expanding to 4.5 million including Peacock streaming, while CBS News' special drew 2.085 million and The CW's special averaged 1.299 million.[Variety]