Brenda Lee “cannot believe” that her timeless holiday hit reached a major milestone — and solidified a record for her — more than six decades after its debut.
Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is No. 1, 65 years after its initial release in 1958, when Lee was 13 years old. Her record label notes that this means Lee, who turns 79 this month, has broken several records, including some previously held by Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey with her iconic 90s smash-hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is Lee’s third career No. 1, following “I’m Sorry” and “I Want to Be Wanted,” both released in 1960. That means Lee holds the record for the longest stretch of time between her first and most recent No. 1, per Universal Music Group Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Famer is also the oldest woman to reach No. 1, breaking records previously held by Cher and Carey (with “Believe” at age 52, and “All I Want for Christmas Is You at age 53, respectively).
“This is amazing! I cannot believe that ‘Rockin’’ has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special!” Lee exclaimed in a statement shared by her label. “The song came out when I was a young teenager and now to know that it has resonated with multiple generations and continues to resonate – it is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Keep on Rockin’ and Merry Christmas!”
Lee recently spotlighted Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood in the first-ever music video for the 1958 holiday hit. Watch it here: