Jenna Bush Hager is ready for her close-up!
The former first daughter and mother of three children has a successful career as an author, co-host Today with Hoda and Jenna and head of her own production company. But on the Monday, Dec. 9, episode of NBC’s daytime show, Bush Hager teased that she has her sights set on more: Broadway.
While searching for the upcoming Dolly Parton biopic on Broadway and his nationwide search for untapped talent to play the country superstar on stage, Bush Hager gave his shot.
“Dolly. Please?” said the mother of three children (43). “I just want a small little role!”
“It would be a dream, Dolly, if my friend Jenna Bush Hager had a chance at something,” TodayHoda Kotb, 60, added. “All she wants is extra. Just in the back, for coffee.”
“Or what about the choir part? What about the ensemble part?” Bush Hager proposed, which Kotb quickly shut down with a “no.”
Bush Hager even made her own audition video in which she spoke the lyrics to Parton’s hit, “Jolene.”
“I prepared the lyrics to ‘Jolene’ for you, Miss Dolly Parton. But my voice is a little off,” Bush Hager explained before heading into the audition.
“Just do it,” Kotb said, playing stage mom. “Just sell it!”
Bush Hager even threw on her curly, pale blonde wig in an attempt to pull off the Parton look — though she admitted it wasn’t the best replica. “It was the best we could do on short notice,” she laughed.
Breaking down the differences between Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Version
Dolly Parton.
Jon Morgan/CBS/Getty
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Dolly: The Original Musical — originally titled Hi, I’m Dolly — will follow the life and career of the cult singer. The musical’s score will feature classic Parton songs and new songs she wrote especially for the series. Parton and Maria S. Schlatter wrote the play’s book, while Bartlett Sher will direct the play.
Parton, 78, announced the news of the series’ open casting call earlier this month in a video posted to her social media channels.
“I want to give you a chance to help me bring my story to Broadway—and maybe even play me!” Parton said, encouraging everyone to try the opportunity.
“This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who have 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 a seasoned theater professional or an undiscovered gem with a little something special.”
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Footage from the audition has already flooded social media, under the hashtag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete the application form on the musical page.
The application window will close on January 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. After reviewing applications, the show will invite all promising candidates to New York City for an official audition.
Today with Hoda and Jenna airs weekdays (10 a.m. ET) on NBC.
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Source: HIS Education