Dolly Parton continues to be a beloved icon — if ratings for the recent tribute specials across four different networks are any indication. ABC, CBS, NBC and The CW all attracted decent-sized crowds for quickly-scheduled specials that aired in late August — not particularly a time for major viewership.
On Disney+ and Hulu, “Dolly Parton: An American Original” was the most-viewed title on Aug. 26, during its first day of streaming.
Also that evening, CBS News was behind “A CBS News Special: Dolly Parton—An American Idol,” anchored by “CBS Mornings’” Gayle King and “CBS Evening News’” Tony Dokoupil, along with CBS News senior culture and senior national correspondent Anthony Mason. The special averaged 2.085 million viewers.
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, NBC aired “Dolly: An NBC News Special,” anchored by Lester Holt. The special initially did 3.952 million viewers, and has since grown to 4.5 million viewers with Peacock included.
Also on Wednesday, The CW aired an encore presentation of its special “Dolly Parton: Here I Am,” which averaged 1.299 million viewers — a large number for the netlet.
