The news of Dolly Parton’s death was met with shock and emotion inside a British theatre this week, where audiences had gathered to watch the musical she helped bring to life.
Keep reading to learn more.
Before a performance of 9 to 5: The Musical at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex, cast member Karla Tracey addressed the audience and delivered the devastating news that Parton had died at the age of 80. Audience members could be heard gasping as the announcement was made.
The moment was particularly poignant because 9 to 5: The Musical is built around Parton’s music. The stage production was adapted from the 1980 film of the same name, which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Parton wrote the musical score, including the iconic title song, and her influence runs throughout the production.
Tracey, who plays Doralee Rhodes, the character portrayed by Parton in the original film, asked the audience to take a moment to remember the singer and songwriter before the show began. As she made the announcement, the crowd found out in real time about Dolly Parton’s death. As the announcement was made, a huge gasp was let out by the audience collectively. The sound is one of complete shock from fans of the late singer and actor, who came to see some of the greatest music she has written and were instead met with the heartbreaking news of her loss.
The cast then dedicated the performance to Parton, acknowledging the extraordinary contribution she had made to the production and to audiences around the world. The tribute reflected the unusual circumstances of the evening: the performers were about to step onto a stage to perform music written by a woman whose death had only just been announced.
Landmark Theatres, which is behind the UK production, also paid tribute to Parton. Director and chief executive Paul Jepson said the company’s thoughts were with Parton’s family, friends and admirers, describing the opportunity to work with her music as an honour.
The Worthing theatre later described the timing as especially fitting, noting that the venue was bringing Parton’s music to its stage in the very week she died.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on August 25, 2026, according to a statement from her family. She was 80. Her official website described her as a singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and author whose seven-decade career touched generations of fans.
For the audience in Worthing, however, the significance of the moment was immediate and deeply personal. They had arrived expecting an evening of comedy, music and nostalgia. Instead, they became part of an unexpectedly emotional tribute to the woman whose songs would soon fill the theatre.
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