Dolly Parton Impersonator’s Journey Launches Global Career

Kelly O’Brien, a Dolly Parton impersonator, discovered her remarkable talent unexpectedly during a friend’s birthday celebration. Initially performing as a country singer, Kelly’s career took a transformative turn when she donned a Dolly Parton costume for a laugh at a 40th birthday party. This spontaneous decision led to a flourishing career as a tribute artist, captivating audiences around the world.

Living with her husband, Ben Verinder, and their 13-year-old daughter Amber, the couple’s home in the UK is filled with Dolly memorabilia, reflecting their deep connection to the legendary country singer. Ben describes Dolly as “the patron saint of my household,” illustrating how the iconic artist has permeated their daily lives since they first met in 2007.

Ben, who works in public relations, recalls their initial meeting fondly, emphasizing Kelly’s beauty and talent. “She was stunningly good looking and just pretty perfect actually,” he said. Their shared love for Dolly Parton’s music became a significant part of their relationship, eventually leading to Kelly’s decision to pursue impersonation professionally.

The turning point came at the aforementioned birthday party in Scotland, where friends encouraged Kelly to perform as Dolly. The overwhelmingly positive feedback prompted her to invest in her new career, which included taking out a loan and undergoing rigorous training for six months. Kelly learned to create costumes, master makeup techniques, play instruments, and emulate Dolly’s distinct voice.

Her hard work has paid off, as she now tours internationally, showcasing a show that features around seven costume changes and highlights Dolly’s life. Ben has taken on a supportive role, managing logistics and finances while also chaperoning Kelly at various gigs. He humorously noted, “My house is full of Dolly Parton pictures and wigs and costumes,” illustrating the extent of their dedication to the tribute act.

Life as “Dolly Parton’s husband” is anything but mundane. Ben often finds himself sharing amusing stories about Kelly’s performances with friends and colleagues, who are fascinated by her unique career. He even played the role of Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean, during Kelly’s Facebook shows as a comedic foil while they were both home during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

In 2011, Kelly had the surreal experience of meeting Dolly Parton, during which they wore nearly identical outfits. Reflecting on their relationship with Dolly, Ben remarked on the singer’s supportive nature towards tribute artists, suggesting that she would find their journey sweet.

Despite the challenges of balancing a touring schedule and family life, Kelly acknowledges the unwavering support from Ben. “He has always put my dreams at the forefront and been there to help,” she said, emphasizing the importance of his presence in her career. Recently, Kelly launched a US tour, with highlights including concerts in Nashville, where she connected with members of Dolly’s family.

As she continues to build her career, Kelly is also collaborating with Dolly’s stylist on a new filming project. Ben appreciates the uniqueness of Kelly’s job, noting that she can perform for thousands while maintaining her anonymity backstage. “Dolly has brought a huge amount of joy to our lives,” he said, encapsulating the impact of this unexpected journey into the world of tribute performance.

As Kelly O’Brien’s career progresses, the couple remains deeply connected to Dolly Parton’s legacy, navigating the challenges of performance and family life together. The joy they derive from this unique path underscores the vibrant and transformative power of music and artistry in their lives.