Last Night of the Proms reveals all-star line-up for Dolly Parton tribute
It will be on TV this weekend
Last updated 10th Sep 2026
This year's BBC Proms will end with a huge performance at the Royal Albert Hall, with a Last Night of the Proms programme to be shown on TV this weekend. This year, the iconic ending to the Proms will see artists unite for a tribute to the late country legend Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away recently.
Announcing the line-up for the popular event, the BBC shared the news on social media, writing: '💕 To Dolly, With Love
'Sheridan Smith, Beverley Knight and Ward Thomas join the BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and the BBC Singers in a tribute to Dolly Parton at Last Night of The Proms 2026'.
Further information about the performance revealed that the cast will perform a medley of Dolly's songs, with Sheridan Smith singing '9 to 5', Beverley Knight singing 'I Will Always Love You', and country-pop duo Ward Thomas performing 'Jolene'.
READ MORE: Dolly Parton - Everything you need to know about the music icon
Dolly sadly passed away in August 2026, with Bryan Seaver (Dolly's head of security, nephew and the son of Dolly Parton's sister - Cassie Parton), announcing the sad news on social media.
In the video he told fans: "Hey everyone. My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
"Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next."
Tributes from around the world were shared following the news, with Elton John saying he was: 'Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing. A giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.'
Sir Paul McCartney also commented: 'The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman.
When will the Last Night of the Proms be on TV?
The Last Night of the Proms will take place on Saturday 12th September. Part 1 will be shown on BBC Two and iPlayer from 7.10pm, with the Finale on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm.
The Last Night of the Proms brings to a close the huge Prom season, which spans eight weeks and features 86 concerts, with 27 Proms programmes broadcast on television.
Take a look through some of Dolly Parton's iconic quotes:
"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
Dolly Parton performing in 1976.
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
Dolly on stage.
"You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on. "
Dolly Parton on stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."
Dolly Parton and her Goddaughter Miley Cyrus on stage at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
Dolly Parton and her former partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, who she wrote her hit 'I Will Always Love You' about.
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."
Dolly performing on stage at the UK Country Music Festival.
"Never leave a rhinestone unturned."
Dolly Parton in a publicity shot for the film 'Rhinestone' in 1984.
"Never ignore your roots, your home or your hair!"
Dolly performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
"Life is short, keep your dreams big and your hair bigger."
Dolly Parton co-hosting the 57th Academy Of Country Music Awards in March 2022.
"When it comes to music or hair, crank up the volume!"
Dolly performed at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2022.
Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.