DOLLY Parton had definitely poured herself a cup of ambition before taking to the stage at Birmingham’s LG Arena on Sunday.

The 68-year-old looked immaculate, not a hair on the platinum blonde wig out of place, perfectly manicured red talons and sequinned outfits that accentuated her tiny waist and famous assets.

The first half of the Blue Smoke world tour was mostly dedicated to songs from her new album including Home, Don’t Think Twice and title track Blue Smoke.

Charming anecdotes between the songs made you feel that little bit closer to Dolly, as she talked about her humble beginnings and the importance of following your dreams.

She also revealed her image was inspired by the town tramp before cracking the “it takesa lot of money to look this cheap” gag.

The second half saw Dolly plough through hits including Islands in the Stream, my personal favourite 9 to 5 and finish on the haunting I Will Always Love You.

I was in awe of her musical talent as she floated between playing the banjo, harmonica, fiddle, recorder autoharp and before admitting she was “feeling saxy” and pulling out a rhinestone covered saxophone to perform the Benny Hill theme tune, then wowing audiences with her musical skills by playing it again - this time backwards.

Talented, charismatic and genuinely grateful for her success, after that performance, it’s not hard to see why her career spans decades.

 

KH