Jenna Bush Hager (left) and Dolly Parton (right).Photo:Today/NBC; Jason Kempin/Getty
Today/NBC; Jason Kempin/Getty
Jenna Bush Hageris ready for her close-up!The former first daughter and mother of three has a successful career as an author, the co-host ofToday with Hoda & Jennaand the head of her own production company. But on the Monday, Dec. 9 episode of the NBC daytime show, Bush Hager teased that she’s got her sights set on more: Broadway.While seaking aboutDolly Parton’s upcoming biographical Broadway musical andits nationwide search for untapped talent to play the country superstar on stage, Bush Hager threw her hat in the ring.“Dolly. Please?” the mother of three, 43, said. “I just want a little small part!““It would be a dream, Dolly, if my friend Jenna Bush Hager might have a shot at something,“Today’s Hoda Kotb, 60, added. “All she wants it so be an extra. Just in the back, having coffee.““Or what about part of the chorus? What about a part of the ensemble?” Bush Hager suggested, which Kotb quickly shut down with a “no.“Bush Hager even recorded her own audition video in which she spoke the lyrics to Parton’s hit, “Jolene.““I have prepared for you, miss Dolly Parton, the lyrics to ‘Jolene.’ But my voice is a little off,” Bush Hager explained, before launching into her audition.“Just do it,” said Kotb, playing stage mom. “Just sell it!“Bush Hager even threw on her own curly, bleach blonde wig, in an effort to pull together a Parton look — though admitted that it wasn’t the best replica. “It was the best we could do on short notice,” she laughed.Dolly Parton.Jon Morgan/CBS/GettyDolly: An Original Musical —originally titledHello, I’m Dolly —will follow the iconic singer’s life and career. The musical’s score will contain both classic Parton songs and new numbers she wrote specifically for the show. Parton and Maria S. Schlatter wrote the play’s book, while Bartlett Sher will direct the show.Parton, 78, announced news of the show’s open casting call earlier this month in a video posted toher social media channels.“I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!” Parton said, encouraging everyone to try out for the opportunity.“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. “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.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Audition videos have already been flooding social media, under the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete theapplication formon the musical’s site.The application window will close on Jan. 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. After reviewing submissions, the show will then invite any promising applicants to New York City for a formal audition process.Today with Hoda & Jennaairs weekdays (at 10 a.m. ET) on NBC.
Jenna Bush Hageris ready for her close-up!
The former first daughter and mother of three has a successful career as an author, the co-host ofToday with Hoda & Jennaand the head of her own production company. But on the Monday, Dec. 9 episode of the NBC daytime show, Bush Hager teased that she’s got her sights set on more: Broadway.
While seaking aboutDolly Parton’s upcoming biographical Broadway musical andits nationwide search for untapped talent to play the country superstar on stage, Bush Hager threw her hat in the ring.
“Dolly. Please?” the mother of three, 43, said. “I just want a little small part!”
“It would be a dream, Dolly, if my friend Jenna Bush Hager might have a shot at something,“Today’s Hoda Kotb, 60, added. “All she wants it so be an extra. Just in the back, having coffee.”
“Or what about part of the chorus? What about a part of the ensemble?” Bush Hager suggested, which Kotb quickly shut down with a “no.”
Bush Hager even recorded her own audition video in which she spoke the lyrics to Parton’s hit, “Jolene.”
“I have prepared for you, miss Dolly Parton, the lyrics to ‘Jolene.’ But my voice is a little off,” Bush Hager explained, before launching into her audition.
“Just do it,” said Kotb, playing stage mom. “Just sell it!”
Bush Hager even threw on her own curly, bleach blonde wig, in an effort to pull together a Parton look — though admitted that it wasn’t the best replica. “It was the best we could do on short notice,” she laughed.
Dolly Parton.Jon Morgan/CBS/Getty
Jon Morgan/CBS/Getty
Dolly: An Original Musical —originally titledHello, I’m Dolly —will follow the iconic singer’s life and career. The musical’s score will contain both classic Parton songs and new numbers she wrote specifically for the show. Parton and Maria S. Schlatter wrote the play’s book, while Bartlett Sher will direct the show.
Parton, 78, announced news of the show’s open casting call earlier this month in a video posted toher social media channels.
“I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!” Parton said, encouraging everyone to try out for the opportunity.
“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. “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.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Audition videos have already been flooding social media, under the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete theapplication formon the musical’s site.
The application window will close on Jan. 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. After reviewing submissions, the show will then invite any promising applicants to New York City for a formal audition process.
Today with Hoda & Jennaairs weekdays (at 10 a.m. ET) on NBC.
source: people.com
