Coronation Street fans were left emotional after Dolly Parton received a mention on the soap, shortly after the singing legend's death was announced this week at the age of 80.
The Jolene hitmaker's representatives confirmed that she passed following a short battle with cancer. Tributes poured in from figures including Taylor Swift, Eminem, Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.
Coincidental nod in Thursday's episode
During Thursday's episode (August 26) of the ITV soap, viewers noticed a sweet nod to Dolly that was purely coincidental. Fans will recall that Celeste Butterfield (Frances Barber) has just months to live and is currently planning her own Dolly Parton-themed funeral with the help of Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).
In the latest instalment, Todd met up with Celeste at the Roy's Rolls café. When asked if she was religious by Todd, Celeste quipped: "To the majesty herself, Dolly Parton."
Fan reactions to the mention
Fans quickly reacted to the Dolly mention, with one person writing on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page: "I loved that Dolly got a mention." Someone else added: "I'd say a fitting tribute to the late great DP (albeit coincidental)."
Meanwhile on X, a third penned: "Wow! Corrie couldn't have known when they wrote these lines about Dolly Parton, just how well timed they would be." Another wrote: "Crazy timing for a Dolly Parton reference." Echoing their thoughts, a fifth said: "Constant mentions of Dolly Parton with one of her fans organising their funeral. Timing feels a little strange now."
Death announced by nephew
The death of Dolly, who was behind hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, was revealed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver. In a video message that was planned by the singer, Bryan followed her wishes by announcing the sad 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 team said that at her request, "a small, private service will be held for immediate family" and that fans could make donations to her charitable Imagination Library in her memory. Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
