The audience at Worthing Theatre in Sussex gasped as a cast member walked on stage before the evening's performance of 9 to 5 The Musical to announce that Dolly Parton had died. Parton, whose career spanned more than six decades, died on August 25 aged 80 after a 'brief cancer battle'.
'Before we begin tonight's performance of 9 to 5, we would like to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton who has sadly passed away today,' the performer announced to the crowd. As the audience settled from their shock, Doralee actress Karla Tracey praised Parton's 'extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit'.
A Musical Built on Parton's Legacy
9 to 5 The Musical is based on the 1980 film of the same name, which Parton starred in, with music and lyrics written by the singer. It opened in 2008 before moving to Broadway a year later and landing four Tony Award nominations. By 2010, the show was on a national tour, and two years later it opened in the UK.
The musical ran on the West End in 2019, starring Amber Davies and Bonnie Langford, before four UK tours, as well as runs in Australia and Japan. 'Tonight we will perform the piece as she intended, with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life,' Karla continued. She sent the production's well wishes to Parton's family and dedicated the performance to the late singer with 'deepest thanks for the music, laughter, and joy she gave us'.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Artists
Last night's show was the opening performance of the musical at Worthing Theatre, with shows running until the end of August. On September 1, the show will move to Coventry and then Hastings, wrapping up by mid-month. In a caption on a video post, the theatre wrote: 'We're so sad to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton. As we bring 9 to 5 The Musical to the stage this week, her spirit will be with us in every note and every laugh. Few artists have given the world so much joy, kindness and inspiration. Our thoughts are with her family and the millions of fans she touched. Rest in peace, Dolly.'
The comments on the post were flooded with Parton fans sharing memories and tributes. Holly Mason shared: 'I was at the show tonight. It was a shock, finding that out just before the show and so so sad. What a wonderful way it was to celebrate her life and some of her work. Huge kudos and love to the cast and crew for still absolutely smashing their performances.' Annabelle Alloway added: 'We were also in the audience. The cast really did her proud!'
Celebrity Reactions and Parton's Final Days
The family of the Coat of Many Colors singer confirmed her death, sharing that she is now 'in the arms of Jesus'. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, said: 'Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.'
Tributes from other celebrities continued to come in. Sir Paul McCartney recalled when they first met, writing: 'Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.' Taylor Swift said: 'A world without Dolly doesn't feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.'
Parton was open about her health issues in the lead-up to her death, most recently pulling out of a fan event earlier this month due to 'dizziness and dehydration'. Just last week, she acknowledged 'health issues', which she said she had not tended to while caring for her late husband Carl Dean, who died last year. Parton was a trailblazer, a philanthropist, and unapologetically herself at every turn.
