The devastated Dolly Parton tribute acts who have to keep on singing: ‘I haven’t slept since she died’

The world is currently in mourning following the death of Dolly Parton, who died yesterday aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer. However, for those who impersonate the country icon for a living, the show must go on. Parton tribute acts have revealed that they’ve received a huge number of requests for performances and interviews since the “9 to 5” singer’s death, and have been fielding calls and emails while processing their own grief over the country music icon’s shock passing.

But that’s life and it’s show business,” she added. It’s the business and she was a fabulous, fantastic businesswoman.” Similarly, Hertfordshire-based Kelly O’Brien, 52 – who’s been performing The Dolly Show for 20 years across the UK, US and Australia – has been hounded by messages asking for more performances. It’s nice to have bigger shows because I can celebrate her better in a bigger forum, so I’m happy about that.” Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial.

This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Diamond Dolly, aka Lallie Wadham, 47, will be back performing as the Queen of Country this weekend. Having burst out sobbing in a supermarket when she heard the news of Parton’s death, she’s expecting more tears at the show.

I think the crowds are going to be with me on it and if a few tears roll out, I don’t think it’s going to be such a bad thing. The trio met Parton in 2011, when Lucy was just a baby. She was so welcoming and very, very tiny.

She smelt great, like sweet flowers. When I left actually, I could smell her on me, which was a mad thing to say, but it's true. Since Parton’s death was announced, the “I Will Always Love You” singer has been remembered globally as one-of-a-kind – and her tribute acts want to continue spreading her optimistic and joyous energy now that she can’t any more.

She says, ‘If you see someone without a smile, give them yours,’ and that’s something I think a lot us lose sight of.” “She means everything,” O’Brien adds. She offers love, hope, stability, just connection that I think is lacking so much today. I think that really resonated with millions of people around the world.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies