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Dolly Parton Played '9 to 5' with Her Nails in 1981: 'The Newest Instrument on the Market'
On Tuesday, August 25, actress Karla Tracey announced country music legend Dolly Parton's death to a shocked audience before the UK production of 9 to 5: The Musical began at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing.
Representatives confirmed the 80-year-old singer died at a Nashville hospital following a "brief battle with cancer," celebrated for hits including "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene."
Dedicating the performance to Parton, Tracey told the audience that her "extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit" remain woven into the work, performed with "great respect and affection."
Co-Stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, who appeared with Parton in the 1980 film 9 to 5, paid tribute on social media, with Fonda saying "I am devastated."
Parton was developing a new Broadway musical set to begin previews later this year at the St. James Theatre in New York City, extending her artistic legacy.