Dolly Parton, the iconic music legend, continues to make history with her latest release, ‘Rockstar.’ The 30-song set, unleashed on Nov. 17, has swiftly claimed the top spots on Billboard’s prestigious Top Country Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums charts, securing Parton’s ninth No. 1 on the former and her inaugural triumph on the latter.
The rock-infused LP’s stellar performance is evident in its impressive 128,000 equivalent album units, with 118,000 in album sales for the week ending Nov. 23, as reported by Luminate. ‘Rockstar’ not only opens at an impressive No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 but also marks Parton’s highest career rank. This follows her previous top 10 achievements with ‘Blue Smoke’ (No. 6 in 2014) and ‘Trio,’ a collaborative masterpiece with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris (No. 16 in 1987).
The album’s dominance extends beyond genre-specific charts, as ‘Rockstar’ skyrockets to No. 1 on the all-genre Top Album Sales chart, marking Parton’s maiden voyage to this prestigious position. The availability of the album in various outlets, including Barnes & Noble, Cracker Barrel, Dollar General, and Target, significantly contributed to its groundbreaking first-week sales.
Notably, ‘Rockstar’ more than doubles Parton’s previous record for the biggest sales week of an album. This exceptional feat surpasses the benchmark set when ‘Slow Dancing With the Moon’ sold 50,500 copies in its second chart week (March 20, 1993).
Promoted as Parton’s inaugural rock album, ‘Rockstar’ came to life following her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Initially declining the honor, Parton embraced it wholeheartedly and went on to release ‘Rockstar,’ a collection blending original compositions and covers. The album features an impressive lineup of acclaimed guests, including Pat Benatar, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, Ringo Starr, Sting, and Steven Tyler.
Dolly Parton’s journey on the Top Country Albums chart began with ‘Hello, I’m Dolly’ in November 1967, and she has since accumulated an astonishing 49 top 10s. ‘Rockstar’ marks her return to No. 1 on Top Country Albums since ‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’ in 2020.
Adding to her accolades, Parton leads the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in her inaugural appearance, a triumph mirrored on the Top Rock Albums chart. The album’s single, “World On Fire,” previously debuted and peaked at No. 26 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs in May.
In addition to these accomplishments, Parton’s cover of Prince and the Revolution’s “Purple Rain” has entered the Rock Digital Song Sales chart at an impressive No. 14, selling 1,000 copies. The sixth song from ‘Rockstar’ to make the ranking, it follows the success of “World On Fire,” which led for a week in May, and Parton’s versions of The Beatles’ “Let It Be” (featuring McCartney and Starr) and Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” (featuring Cyrus), reaching Nos. 2 and 6 in September and November, respectively.
Dolly Parton’s ‘Rockstar’ not only reaffirms her legendary status in country music but also establishes her as a formidable force in the rock and alternative genres, showcasing her enduring influence and appeal across diverse musical landscapes.
