"Papa Don't Preach" was released in the United States in June 1986. It debuted on the "Billboard" Hot 100 at number 42 and, within eight weeks of release, reached the top of the chart, making it Madonna's fourth number-one single in the US. It maintained the top position for two weeks and spent 18 weeks on the chart. It also reached a peak of four on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart and a peak of number 16 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In October 1998, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of 500,000 copies. It placed at position 29 for the "Billboard" Year-End chart for 1986. In Canada the song debuted at number 53 of the "RPM" singles chart on July 5, 1986, reached the top for two weeks in August 1986, and stayed on the chart for 20 weeks. It placed at position 13 on the "RPM" Year-End chart for 1986.