Audience members at a performance of 9 To 5: The Musical at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing audibly gasped as actors announced that Dolly Parton had died on Tuesday evening. The country music icon was 80 years old.
Her nephew shared the news in an Instagram message, and her team later confirmed that she had faced a “brief battle with cancer.” Fans with tickets to the show, a musical adaptation of her 1980 film, reacted in shock as the cast paid tribute on stage.
On-stage tribute to the late singer
Karla Tracey, who played Doralee—the role Parton originated in the film—took centre stage and told the crowd: “Before we begin tonight's performance of 9 To 5, we would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.
“9 To 5 was originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity and spirit are woven into every part of this work. Tonight, we will perform the piece as she intended with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life.
“Our thoughts are with Dolly's family, friends and all those around the world who loved and admired her. As we begin, we dedicate tonight’s performance to Dolly Parton, with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter and joy she gave us. Thank you, Dolly.”
Co-stars and colleagues remember Parton
Director Paul Jepson also spoke, saying: “We would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton. Our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and all those around the world who loved and admired her. It has been an honour for all of us to work on this show, originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity and spirit are woven into every part.”
Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 film, which followed three working women who sought revenge on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss, played by Dabney Coleman. The film grossed over $100 million at the box office and spawned a TV spin-off, as well as Broadway and West End musicals for which Parton wrote the lyrics and music.
A musical exploring the Grammy-winner’s life had been due to begin previews on Broadway later this year, before officially opening next January on what would have been her birthday. In a statement last month, she said: “My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed living it.”
Following the news of her death, Fonda shared a tribute on social media, writing: “I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.
“We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, “9to5,” the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.
“I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.
“She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right...and then she’s stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.
“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven. RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
Tomlin posted a black-and-white throwback on her own page, simply adding that she had “no words…”
