LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Dolly Parton’s connection to Las Vegas spans decades, from some of country music’s biggest nights in the valley to what was supposed to be her return to the Strip.
Fans were expecting to see Parton back on a Las Vegas stage next month. The country music legend died at 80 years old.
A history in Vegas that goes back decades
For Parton, the planned return would have been to familiar territory. In 1981, Parton made her Las Vegas Strip debut at the Riviera, where she also performed “9 to 5” live for the first time.
By the early 1990s, she was a familiar face on the marquee at the Mirage, returning for multiple shows through 1993.
In 2022, Parton was back in the spotlight, hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards from Allegiant Stadium.
MORE ON FOX5: Beloved country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80
Local impersonator reacts to her death
Las Vegas local Kelly Vohnn has worked as a Dolly Parton impersonator for years.
“We just lost a really really really amazing human, one of the most amazing humans on the planet,” Vohnn said.
“Um, and it’s going to be, uh, it’s going to be hard for a little while to do her. It’s going to be very difficult. But, I’m honored to do it,” Vohnn said.
Vohnn said she was distraught when she heard the news of Parton’s passing.
“I think she, she really, she really represented kindness and hope. And now I feel like it’s my job, as well as other Dolly impersonators, to really, really continue her message of being kind and, um, and loving,” Vohnn said.
Fans remember an entertainer who kept coming back
People across the valley are remembering an entertainer who kept coming back to the city for decades, even though her final planned return never made it to the stage.
“I grew up with Dolly Parton. I mean, I watched her when she was on the Porter Wagner show. I think the reason we all were watching was to see what wig she was going to be wearing,” said Kathy, a Dolly Parton fan.
“And I really admire how active she was. And with her passion of getting all children to read,” said Francesca, a Dolly Parton fan.
Parton once said she had always loved singing in Las Vegas, calling it a magical city that celebrates entertainment.
Imagination Library reached Southern Nevada children
Her legacy also includes Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, a book program that provides free books to children.
The program has helped thousands of children in Southern Nevada. Last year, FOX5 reported that the local chapter had sent more than 175,000 free books to families.
State of Nevada honors Dolly Parton
In Carson City, Gov. Joe Lombardo ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Nevada to be lowered to half-staff at all public buildings and state grounds until sunset on Sept. 1, 2026.
The executive order follows a national proclamation by President Donald Trump.
Lombardo, calling Parton “an American icon,” expressed condolences alongside First Lady Donna Lombardo, noting that the country music legend “touched the lives of millions through her philanthropy, generosity, and her legendary songbook.”
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