Fans of the late, great Dolly Parton are due to hear a selection of the star’s greatest hits at the Brighton Open Air Theatre on Friday (28 August).
A sold-out performance of Jolene – the Dolly Parton Experience is expected to go ahead, with the singer’s family announcing her death at the age of 80 today (Tuesday 25 August).
The show stars Sarah Jayne Crust – and the show’s blurb said: “Endorsed by Dolly herself on the BBC’s the One Show, this truly incredible show captures the image, the personality, the stage presence and, most importantly, the voice of the Queen of Country.
“From the very opening song the hits keep coming: 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again, Coat of Many Colours, Jolene, Applejack and many, many more.”
The show tells the Dolly Parton story – from growing up in the Smoky Mountains, with a large family but no money, through her rise to becoming a country singer, songwriter and superstar.
Flags are to be lowered throughout America in honour of Dolly Parton, the American President Donald Trump said.
The Harry Potter author JK Rowling tweeted: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity.”
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, one of America’s leading country music venues and where Dolly Parton first appeared at age 13, paid tribute to the late singer on Instagram.
The post said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come.
“She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired.”
Dolly Parton created 9 To 5: The Musical based on the 1980 film of the same name in which she starred.
The show is on tour and opened tonight at the Pavilion Theatre, in Worthing, and is due to play at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, next month.
