Dolly Parton is headed to Logan for the first time ever.
Well, her doppelganger is.
Kelly O’Brien, an impersonator of the famed country singer, is performing at the Logan Entertainment Centre in March this year.
Ms O’Brien is an Aussie by birth, but lives in the UK and “can’t wait” to come back and perform for Australian audiences.
She said her connection to Dolly began when she was 10.
“We both grew up singing music, and I grew up listening to Dolly’s music a lot,” Ms O’Brien said.
“I loved her from a very, very early age.
“I probably realised we were alike when I found out how tall she was, which would be, yeah, the first time I realised she was tiny like I am. ”
Ms O’Brien started impersonating Dolly professionally in 2007 when she was asked to perform for a friend’s birthday.
Since then, she has flourished professionally in the UK, mainly because of its popular “tribute” culture.
But she also had a little help from Dolly herself, who has officially endorsed Ms O’Brien.
“Dolly absolutely knows what I do, and her family are big fans,” she said.
“So last year, when I was running a social media campaign, the family got in touch and said their blessing and told me that Dolly loves what I do.
“I was so honoured and just so happy that my work is received so well over there in the States and with her and her team… I feel extremely grateful and privileged.”
She said the themes in Dolly’s music “connected with younger generations” almost 60 years since the release of her first album.
“Dolly’s philosophy on life is just very simple,” Ms O’Brien said.
“She just wants to spread love and kindness.
“And I think people are very much in need of that now.”
She said Dolly was “an angel” with a long history of philanthropy and kindness.
“I think people really need that in their lives right now when everything can be so tricky and life can be tough.
“I think they need Dolly’s kind words… she’s a breath of fresh air. “
Ms O’Brien’s The Dolly Show will follow the singer’s career through five decades of music.
There will be costume changes, wig changes and a large catalogue of music.
“It will be full of Dolly banter and lots of laughs, lots of crowd participation and interaction,” Ms O’Brien said.
“I will get people up from the audience. I get somebody up to sing Kenny Rogers. It is so much fun, and it is for all the family.
“I cannot wait to start my 2024 tour in Logan.”
