The star of a Dolly Parton tribute act has vowed to continue for the rest of her life as she told of her heartbreak at the country music superstar’s death.
Sarah Jayne Crust, who has performed as Parton for 32 years, said that she had not yet come to terms with the news.
She said: “Obviously I was heartbroken yesterday evening when I heard the news and it has been a bit of a rollercoaster since.
“She is such a global legend – superstar – everybody loves her and always will do. It is more apparent today.”
Ms Crust, 49, said that Parton had personally thanked her for her work and added: “I will continue for the rest of my days.”
She is due to bring her Dolly Parton Experience to the Brighton Open Air Theatre on Friday (28 August) and expects the sold-out show to be “very different”.
She said: “There will be a lot of tears and a lot of celebratory singing and dancing along.”
The 49-year-old, of Ashford, Kent, also leads a theatre show called Country Superstars and works with her husband and daughter – and said that their tours are usually booked 16 to 18 months in advance.
Of her music shows, she said: “At the end of the day Dolly, is a storyteller. When 9 to 5 comes on you can’t help but want to let your hair down.
“I’ve got a feeling that this weekend it’s going to explode. It will be very emotional.”
Meanwhile, the Saltdean Lido has its own Dolly-themed evening, A Celebration of Dolly, coming up next week.
The Lido said: “When we planned Line Dancing with the Double Dollys at Saltdean Lido, we could never have imagined it would arrive at such a poignant moment.
“What began as a joyful celebration of Dolly now feels like a fitting opportunity to come together and celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.
“On Thursday 3 September, join us for an evening of live Dolly hits, line dancing, laughter and plenty of rhinestones.
“Come dressed for the occasion, sing along to the songs we all know and love and dance in celebration of a woman who gave the world so many reasons to smile.”
To book tickets, click here.
