‘She unites fans’
KELLY O’BRIEN, 49, FROM ALDBURY, HERTFORDSHIRE, IS… DOLLY PARTON
Belting out 9 to 5, the diamanté detail on my dress sparkled in the light as the crowd went wild. I was beaming as I waved to the fans and the curtains closed. Another night, another brilliant show performing as one of the greatest singers of all time – Dolly. I’ve always loved country music and, as a freelance singer and actress, became a Dolly Parton tribute act in 2007.
I’d performed solo shows at parties, Pride events and weddings, sailed around the world with P&O ferries and was once flown to Singapore to perform at the F1 Grand Prix, but I wanted to create a show that was more of an homage to all Dolly has achieved.
Now 77, she’s still an icon. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, humanitarian and philanthropist. She is the woman I most want to be on stage, because she’s done so much good for the world.
I created The Dolly Show theatrical extravaganza in 2021 – charting Dolly’s life from the Sixties through six decades of her music. I pour my heart and soul into the show every night. Dolly plays seven instruments and recently released a rock album covering classics like Prince’s Purple Rain and the Beatle’s Let It Be. She keeps me busy!
I sing my favourites – Light of a Clear Blue Morning and Little Sparrow – but the night wouldn’t be complete without Jolene and 9 to 5. I tell stories too. It’s a night with Dolly and people say it’s over too quickly. I could be on stage for 10 hours because there are hundreds of songs to choose from.
My make-up takes two hours because I contour my face and ‘brow block’, a drag queen technique to remove my eyebrows and add Dolly’s much higher. I make sure everything else is ready: six wig and outfit changes, the merch and my instruments, including two guitars and a blinged up microphone. My costumes are made by dressmakers all over the world and I could spend all my money on Dolly outfits.
A career highlight was in September, when I performed at the world’s only Dolly Parton festival, in the Australian outback. I was the only tribute, but the whole town transformed into Dollywood and it was extraordinary. I’ve sung personally for Michael Bublé and Sara Cox and I’ll be on Channel 4’s The Last Leg New Year’s Eve special. Dolly’s family have even invited me to America to sing for them next year.
In 2011 I met Dolly, while dressed as her. She was so sweet, telling me she adores people who emulate her. But my children, Oscar, 20, and Amber, 12, are nonplussed. Amber thinks it’s embarrassing that all her friends follow me on TikTok, but I know they are proud. I hope to do justice to Dolly and connect with people, because that’s what she’s always done. Whether you are a plumber, nurse, biker, nun or child, whether you identify as heterosexual or LGBTQ+, she loves everyone and that’s what unites her fans. To bring some Dolly magic to those who can’t see her live, is my honour.
I HOPE TO DO JUSTICE TO DOLLY
● The Dolly Show will be on tour throughout 2024. Book tickets at thedollyshow.com or follow Kelly on Instagram @thedollyshowtribute