Coronation Street star Sydney Martin has been inundated with messages of support about her own blossoming career as she joined tributes to the late country singer Dolly Parton. Fans learned of the music icon's passing on Tuesday evening via a video shared on Instagram, in which her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the sad news.
Family announcement
Seaver said it was "an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness" to share the news of her death, adding: "But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."
It has since been confirmed that the singer, best known for genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, died after a "brief battle with cancer". Following the family's announcement, he said: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones."
Soap star's tribute
A number of Coronation Street stars shared their sadness at the news, posting tributes on social media. Sydney, best known for playing Betsy Swain in the ITV soap filmed in Salford, has now shared her own. Posting a video on TikTok, she shared three clips filmed during her acting classes alongside one another, with audio of Parton speaking: "Well, honey. nobody knows what's around the corner, but I know one thing. If you keep yourself out the game for fear of losing, there is no way on this earth you're going to win."
Captioning the post, Sydney wrote: "Dolly said it best [broken heart emoji]." Fans were quick to respond, many offering praise for Sydney as she tackles a major health storyline in Corrie. One said: "You are so endlessly talented syd and we are all so so proud of you." Another wrote: "Oh Dolly. Sydney, we are all soso proud of you. Your talent is truly beyond, I get amazed every time." A third commented: "What a talented soul you are. The world is YOURS." Another added: "She's so missed already. And Sydney, thank you for sharing your talent with us and for all your hard work."
