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Jenna Bush Hager
TODAY with Hoda and Jenna/YouTubeDolly Parton is looking for the right person to play her on Broadway—and Jenna Bush Hager throws her name into the ring.
The TV personality, 43, has left Hoda Kotb laughing after auditioning for the show live on Monday December 9 episode from Today with Hoda and Jenna. “I just feel like it would be a dream, Dolly, if my friend Jenna Bush Hager could try something. So, Jenna’s going to give it a shot,” Kotb, 60, said.
Before directing Parton, 78, in a platinum blonde curly wig, Bush Hager noted that her impromptu audition would be submitted under the show’s official hashtag #SearchForDolly.
“You look like. George WashingtonKotb joked about Bush Hager’s wig, to which she replied, “This is the only wig we could get on such short notice.”
Dolly Parton returns to Broadway. The country music legend announced Thursday, June 6, that she is working on a musical called Hello, I’m Dolly, based on her life. Parton, 78, will write the music, co-write the book and serve as a producer on the show, which is named after her first studio album (…)
Instead of singing, Bush Hager gave a dramatic reading of Parton’s iconic tune “Jolene,” telling the camera, “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging you, don’t take my man / Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / Please don’t just take him because you can.’
Reciting the first stanza of the song, she continued, “Your beauty is unsurpassed / With flaming locks of auburn hair / With ivory skin and emerald green eyes / Your smile is like a spring breeze / Your voice is soft like summer rain / And I can’t compete with you, Jolene.” “
Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager
TODAY with Hoda and Jenna/YouTubeBush Hager removed her wig and bowed as Kotb and the off-camera crew applauded her performance. “I think if Dolly is watching, who tends to watch our show, all (Jenna) wants to do is be an extra,” Kotb said.
Bush Hager noted that she would like to have a “small, small role,” perhaps as a member of the musical’s ensemble cast. Kotb poked fun at his host and shared a specific role he has in mind for Bush Hager.
“Just (put her) back and drink coffee,” she joked.
Despite being unapologetically themselves on the Today show, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb faced some challenges to get there. “If you don’t fit in, they want you to wear something a certain way, cut your hair a certain way, talk a certain way,” Kotb, 60, said while discussing how people shouldn’t change (…)
Bush Hager auditioned her in the middle of a conversation about Parton’s new project. Earlier this month, the country music legend launched an open casting call to find young artists to portray her Dolly: The Original Musicalwhich will follow her life story.
“Now, whether you’re chasing your dreams from a small town or you’ve spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you a chance to help me bring my story to Broadway and maybe even star with me. ” she said on Thursday, December 5 Video announcements on YouTube. “This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who have been with me on the journey.
Dolly Parton
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesShe continued: “We are now looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you are a seasoned theater professional or an undiscovered gem with something special. A select few will be given the opportunity to audition in person in front of our show’s casting director.”
Broadway hopefuls can audition at official website of the musical or under the social media hashtag #SearchForDolly until January 12, 2025. “So what are you waiting for? This could be your big moment to step into the limelight and step into the limelight,” Parton added. “And look, break your leg!”
