Coronation Street aired an apparent tribute to Dolly Parton in Wednesday night's episode, just 24 hours after the country music star's death was announced. The legendary singer died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer.
Newcomer Celeste Butterfield, played by Frances Barber, is currently planning her own funeral with local undertaker Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce, as she nears the end of a terminal illness. Celeste has made no secret of her love for the Jolene singer.
Scene in Roy's Rolls
In Wednesday's episode, Celeste was seen in Roy's Rolls with Todd. After Todd tried to talk to Celeste's long-lost niece Bernie Winter, played by Jane Hazlegrove, about a possible reunion, he said: "Let's just say you probably won't be welcome in the ranch anytime soon."
Celeste replied: "I guess there's only one thing left to do - pray." When a confused Todd said he didn't think she was religious, Celeste responded: "To the majesty herself, Dolly Parton."
Fan Reactions
The line did not go unnoticed by fans. One wrote on X: "Very poignant that #Corrie wrote Dolly Parton mentions into their scripts for Celeste not knowing today's episode would be a lovely tribute to her."
Another said: "I noticed Celeste made a Dolly comment," and a third added: "Would be great if #Corrie and #Emmerdale squeezed in a scene in tribute to #DollyParton, Mary singing 9 to 5 with Tracy, Glenda singing I will always love you, [Celeste] and Kev singing Islands in the stream."
Others discussed the soap newcomer's love of the music idol on Reddit, wondering if the line had been inserted on purpose. One said: "That's one of the first things I thought of when I found out. Crazy timing!" Another said: "Their scene in today's episode, just because of one particular line, makes me wonder if they did. Although it doesn't look as immediate just shot as the stupid World Cup one they did."
Dolly Parton's Death
Representatives for the country star confirmed her death followed a brief battle with cancer. The type of cancer was not disclosed. The statement said: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Her death came just four days after she told fans she had been struggling health-wise following the death of her husband Carl Dean last year. She said last Friday: "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health."
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
