Listen to the Last Night of the Proms' tribute to Dolly Parton
by Luke Taylor
September 23, 2026
The BBC Proms — billed as the world’s greatest classical music festival — concluded its 2026 season with its hallmark Last Night of the Proms concert, and this year’s event included a medley tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
The seven-minute medley comprised the songs “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” and it was arranged by British composer and musician Fiona Brice. Accompanied throughout by the formidable BBC Symphony Orchestra led by Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo, singer and actress Sheridan Smith performed “9 to 5,” country duo Ward Thomas performed “Jolene,” and the Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight, performed “I Will Always Love You.” BBC reporter Tara Mewawall described Knight’s performance as “magnificent and heart-wrenching.” Listen to the full audio in the player above.
The Last Night of the Proms is the culmination of more than 80 classical music concerts that take place all summer long and are held primarily at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Listen to the 2026 BBC Proms on YourClassicalThe Last Night is always characterized by a joyful and enthusiastic audience who participate spiritedly throughout the evening. Not surprisingly, the Dolly Parton tribute brought the Royal Albert Hall audience to their feet as they cheered, clapped and sang along.
