Jodi Benson welcomes her daughter to another part of her world.
On Tuesday, September 10, the actress, who voiced the original character Ariel in the 1989 Disney film. The little mermaidshared an emotional post on social media as she reflected on her daughter Delaney’s performance as the same title character in the Miami-based production.
“When Delaney was 4 years old, I brought her on stage with me during my concert. I did a little interview with her before I started singing my song ‘Part of Your World,'” Benson, 62, recalled.
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Original Ariel Jodi Benson ‘cried’ watching her daughter play Little Mermaid in new production (Exclusive)
“I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She very quickly and confidently took the microphone from my hand and said, ‘I want to be Ariel when my mom dies!’ ” added the star.
Benson went on to say that it was at that moment that she realized her daughter would one day play the role, noting that she was “born to play Ariel.”
“You made her your own. You were so brilliant. You poured your joy, your humor, your passion and your love into every moment of her story,” Benson wrote in her post about Delaney. “It’s hard for me to find the words to express how I felt watching you on stage. I was and am so incredibly proud of you.”
Benson said how proud she was of her daughter, adding that she was “honored to give you my precious dinglehopper.”
– You are and always will be my Ariel – said the proud mom. “…oh and I’m so thankful I was still alive to see you become Ariel!”
“Mom 😭😭 I love you so much!! thanks for sharing Ariel with me 🤍,” Delaney sweetly replied to her mom on Instagram.
Delaney performed for Area Stage in Miami, FL from July 11th to August 4th as the character she’s known all her life.
Along with the sweet message, Benson shared photos of herself backstage with her daughter, who appeared to be dressed in Ariel’s costume from her wedding at the end of the show. Delaney donned her signature mermaid red locks, wearing a white dress and carrying red flowers.
Benson can be seen standing next to her daughter, wearing a light blue dress and white heels. The actress’ husband Ray can be seen standing on Delaney’s other side, smiling.
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Source: HIS Education