Coronation Street viewers were moved to tears after a touching reference to Dolly Parton appeared in the beloved soap. News broke this week that the singing icon has passed away at the age of 80. The Jolene hitmaker's representatives confirmed that she died following a brief battle with cancer.
Coincidental nod in Thursday's episode
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, tributes flooded in from the likes of Taylor Swift, Eminem, Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. And during Thursday's episode (August 26) of the ITV soap, Coronation Street viewers spotted a poignant nod to Dolly that was entirely coincidental.
Viewers will remember that Celeste Butterfield (Frances Barber) has just months to live and is currently arranging her own Dolly Parton-themed funeral with the assistance of Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).
Viewers react to the reference
In the most recent episode, Todd met with Celeste at the Roy's Rolls café. When Todd asked whether she was religious, Celeste quipped: "To the majesty herself, Dolly Parton."
Viewers were quick to react to the Dolly reference, with one person writing on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page: "I loved that Dolly got a mention." Another added: "I'd say a fitting tribute to the late great DP (albeit coincidental)."
Meanwhile on X, a third wrote: "Wow! Corrie couldn't have known when they wrote these lines about Dolly Parton, just how well timed they would be."
Another commented: "Crazy timing for a Dolly Parton reference." A fifth user echoed these sentiments, writing: "Constant mentions of Dolly Parton with one of her fans organising their funeral. Timing feels a little strange now."
Death announced by nephew
The passing of Dolly, renowned for her iconic hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver. In a pre-recorded video message prepared by the singer herself, Bryan honoured her wishes by delivering the sombre news.
He said: "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."
Dolly's representatives confirmed that, at her request, "a small, private service will be held for immediate family" and that admirers wishing to pay tribute could make donations to her charitable Imagination Library in her memory.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
