25/08/2026
Remembering Dolly Parton 🤍
Like so many around the world, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton.
An extraordinary songwriter, performer, storyteller and humanitarian, Dolly brought so much joy to generations of people through her music, her humour, her warmth and the unmistakable spirit with which she approached everything she did.
As a musical society preparing to bring 9 to 5: The Musical to the stage, today’s news feels particularly poignant.
Dolly didn’t simply lend her name to 9 to 5. She wrote the music and lyrics for the stage musical, building upon the story and the iconic title song that became such an important part of her remarkable career. In the months ahead, our cast, creative team and society will spend countless hours with her words and her music — singing the songs she wrote and sharing the joy, humour, strength and heart she put into them.
When we chose 9 to 5 as our next production, we could never have imagined the significance it would come to hold.
We now feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to celebrate even a small part of Dolly’s extraordinary creative legacy on our stage. As we begin this journey, we will do so with enormous admiration, affection and gratitude for the woman behind the music.
We know today’s news will also be deeply felt by members of our own society and community who have loved Dolly and her music for many years.
Our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends, loved ones and the millions of people around the world whose lives she touched.
Her voice, her songs, her kindness and her unmistakable sparkle have left a legacy that will live on for generations.
And when the opening notes of 9 to 5 eventually ring out on our stage, we know they will mean that little bit more. 🤍
Rest in Peace, Dolly.
Photo credits Valerie Macon/Getty Images
