Dolly Parton is on the hunt for the right person to play her on Broadway — and Jenna Bush Hager is throwing her name in the ring.
The TV personality, 43, left Hoda Kotb laughing after auditioning for the show live on the Monday, December 9, episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. “I just feel like it would be a dream, Dolly, if my friend Jenna Bush Hager might have a shot at something. So, Jenna’s gonna try,” Kotb, 60, said.
Before channeling Parton, 78, with a platinum blonde curly wig, Bush Hager noted that her impromptu audition would be submitted under the show’s official casting call hashtag, #SearchForDolly.
“You look like George Washington,” Kotb joked about Bush Hager’s wig, to which she replied, “This is the only wig we could get on such a short notice.”
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Rather than sing, Bush Hager gave a dramatic reading of Parton’s iconic tune “Jolene,” saying into the camera, “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man / Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / Please don’t take him just because you can.”
Reciting the song’s first verse, she continued: “Your beauty is beyond compare / With flaming locks of auburn hair / With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green / Your smile is like a breath of spring / Your voice is soft like summer rain / And I cannot compete with you, Jolene.”
Bush Hager removed her wig and took a bow while Kotb and the show’s off-camera crew gave her performance a round of applause. “I think if Dolly is watching, which she tends to watch our show, all [Jenna] wants is to be an extra,” Kotb stated.
Bush Hager noted that she would love to have “a little, small part,” perhaps as a member of the musical’s ensemble cast. Poking fun at her cohost, Kotb shared the particular role she has in mind for Bush Hager.
“Just [put her] in the back, drinking coffee,” she quipped.
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Bush Hager did her audition amid a conversation about Parton’s new project. Earlier this month, the country music legend launched an open casting call to find young performers to portray her in Dolly: An Original Musical, which 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 the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway, and maybe even play me,” she said in a Thursday, December 5, YouTube announcement video. “This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who’ve been with me along the way.”
She continued: “Now, we’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something. The selected few will get the chance to audition in person in front of our show’s casting director.”
Broadway hopefuls can submit their auditions on the musical’s official website or under the #SearchForDolly social media hashtag through January 12, 2025. “So, what are you waiting for? This might be your big moment to take center stage and step into the spotlight,” Parton added. “And hey, break a leg!”
