Diane Keaton's Surprise Holiday Hit: "First Christmas" Debuts on Billboard

In a bittersweet musical moment, legendary actress Diane Keaton's debut holiday single "First Christmas" has become a surprise hit, debuting on the Billboard charts just over a year after her passing. The song, released on Nov. 29, 2024, was written by Grammy Award winners Carole Bayer Sager and Jonas Myrin, and produced by Myrin.

Keaton's heartfelt message to fans upon the song's release expressed her deep gratitude for the love and support they've shown. The actress was touched by the stories and memories fans shared about their own "First Christmas" experiences, which she said reminded her of the peace and connection found in cherished holiday traditions.

Tragically, Keaton did not live to see the success of "First Christmas." After her passing, Myrin shared his own grief, stating that being trusted to help bring Keaton's "lifelong dream of recording an original song to life" was something he would carry with him forever. In the song's poignant chorus, Keaton sings of the bittersweet emotions of a "silent night" and "another year, the first Christmas without you here."

Though best known as a celebrated actress, Keaton had a long history of contributions to the music industry, from her Broadway debut in "Hair" to directing music videos for Belinda Carlisle. "First Christmas" marks her first solo chart appearance, a fitting final chapter in Keaton's multifaceted artistic legacy.