Gasps rippled through the audience when Dolly Parton’s death was announced just minutes before a performance of 9 To 5: The Musical.
The music legend’s death at the age of 80 was confirmed on Tuesday in an Instagram video shared by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
The announcement came as the cast of 9 To 5: The Musical, currently touring the UK following a successful West End run, prepared to take the stage at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex.
On opening night, actress Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee in the production, addressed the stunned crowd before the show began.
“Before we begin tonight’s performance of 9 To 5,” Tracey told the audience, “we would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.”
As audible gasps echoed around the theatre, she continued: “9 To 5 was originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit are woven into every part of this work.”
Audience members gasped as news of Dolly Parton’s death was announced minutes before a UK performance of 9 To 5: The Musical on Tuesday night
The news broke just as the cast of 9 To 5: The Musical, touring the UK after a hit West End run, were preparing to perform at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex
‘Tonight, we will perform the piece as she intended with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life.’
‘As we begin, we dedicate tonight’s performance to Dolly Parton, with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter and joy she gave us.’
Paul Jepson, Landmark Theatres chief executive and the musical’s director, said in a statement: ‘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.’
Amber Davies also paid tribute to the icon after starring in the West End run of 9 To 5. Former Love Island star turned actress and singer Amber, 29, said that meeting her in preparation for her role in the 2019 show was ‘a highlight of my lifetime’.
In her tribute she shared two black and white images of her with Dolly as they chatted away behind the scenes of the Savoy Theatre.
Actress Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee in the musical, broke the news to the shocked audience on opening night
Amber penned: ‘Dolly, you gave me my first YES. One of the very first to believe in me. This will always be a highlight of my lifetime. The world will not be the same without you. From the entire world, Thank you.’
Nine to 5: The Musical is directly based on the iconic 1980 hit comedy film of the same name. The original movie starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly – who earned an Oscar nomination for her famous theme song.
In the West End show Amber took on the role of Judy Bernly – originally played by Jane in the film.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Dolly’s Broadway dreams will still come true despite her tragic passing as Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin previews in December in New York.
Parton joined the UK cast of the musical onstage in London in February of 2019. Amber Davies (pictured centre with Dolly) also paid tribute to the icon after starring in the West End run
The hit show will then officially open January 19 on what would’ve been her 81st birthday following a sold-out run in her Nashville hometown last summer.
The country legend wrote the music and book and served as producer of the rags-to-riches show helmed by Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and choreographed by Mandy Moore.
‘Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,’ Dolly said in a video last month.
‘It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved and how I’ve found my way and told it in my own words and through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.’
The national treasure added: ‘Now, the musical has some of my big hits plus a lot of brand new songs that I’ve written just for the show. This really is a dream come true…and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!’
Dolly: A True Original Musical will take audiences on a journey through her life, ‘from her barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood’.
Katie Rose Clarke, Quinn Titcomb and Carrie St Louis all portrayed the blonde bombshell at various stages of her life at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, but the Broadway cast has yet to be announced.
