Heartbroken Dolly Parton tribute act vows to continue

The star of a Dolly Parton tribute act has vowed to continue for the rest of her life following the country music star's death.

Sarah Jayne Crust, who lives in Ashford and has performed as Parton for 32 years, said she was "heartbroken" and had not yet come to terms with the news.

Parton died on Tuesday, aged 80, after "a brief battle with cancer", her team said in a statement to CBS, the BBC's US partner.

Crust, 49, will be bringing her Dolly Parton Experience to Brighton at the weekend and said she was expecting the show to be "very different" and "very emotional".

Describing Parton as a "global legend", Crust said she would continue her act "until the end of my days".

The show at Brighton Open Air Theatre on Friday has been sold out for months, she said, adding: "The appreciation and love for Dolly will be in abundance.

"I just hope I can keep my emotions back because it is a challenging time.

"She was such a loved superstar."

Meanwhile, Lallie Wadham, who plays Parton in the Diamond Dolly tribute act, said she was in the supermarket and burst into tears when she heard the news.

"Dolly will be remembered for so many things, she was a huge philanthropist, she was an ambassador for positivity and she had a great sense of humour," the 47-year-old said.

Wadham also said she expected her next show to be "so emotional", adding that it would be hard work for her to keep it together onstage.

"I think the outpouring of grief, it's going to be huge communal mourning," she said.

Wadham, of Southsea in Hampshire, said she would "do my best to keep her spirit alive" as she continues her shows.

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