Jenna Bush Hager Auditions for Role in Dolly Parton's New Broadway Musical: 'I Just Want a Little Small Part'
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12/09/2024 10:29 PM
The 'Today with Hoda & Jenna' co-host performed her best version of one of Parton's biggest hits
Today/NBC; Jason Kempin/Getty
Jenna Bush Hager (left) and Dolly Parton (right)Jenna Bush Hager is ready for her close-up!
The former first daughter and mother of three has a successful career as an author, the co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna and 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 about Dolly Parton's upcoming biographical Broadway musical and its 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.
Related: Breaking Down the Differences Between Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' and Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Version
Jon Morgan/CBS/Getty
Dolly PartonDolly: An Original Musical — originally titled Hello, 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 to her 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."
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Audition videos have already been flooding social media, under the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete the application form on 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 & Jenna airs weekdays (at 10 a.m. ET) on NBC.
