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Tributes to country star Dolly Parton are popping up all over Portland, in the form of cabaret, ice cream and DJ sets, and there’s surely more to come. Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Nashville. She was 80.
Can Can’s Paris Theatre happens to be midrun on a musical cabaret show called Dolly!—“a reverie of rhinestones and ruffles, dazzling dance and iconic sing-alongs,” according to the theater. The show is scheduled through Sept. 20 in the historic Old Town theater and stars Madam Cooper.
“We have noticed a bump this afternoon in our ticket sales and are honored people want to celebrate the incomparable Dolly Parton with us at the Paris Theatre,” says Can Can spokeswoman Lauren Devine.
The production still has tickets left for all remaining performances, though the first show in the post-Dolly world, this Friday, Aug. 28, is almost sold out. Audiences typically get all dressed up for these shows—think cowboy boots and hats, sequins and fringe. And do get some volume going up top, hunny. “The higher the hair, the closer to God,” as Dolly said.
Snack shop Cheese & Crack (22 SE 28th Ave.) is riffing on another famous Parton quote—“it costs a lot of money to look this cheap”—for its ice cream sundae special. The shop typically offers the sundae on Parton’s birthday (Jan. 19) but is bringing it back in her honor. “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap” features crushed Butterfinger, Oreos and sprinkles with whipped topping and a cherry on top; curiously, it does not feature the chocolate cowboy hat that features on other Cheese & Crack ice cream concoctions.
DJ Action Slacks is spinning at Kenton Club (2025 N Kilpatrick St.) at 8 pm Tuesday, Aug. 25, in honor of Parton, whom she calls her No. 1 celebrity influence and inspiration. It will be a space to gather in her honor, “feel our feelings, listen to her music, whatever you’re feeling,” DJ Action Slacks said on social media.
The governor is in her feels about the death of the icon, too. Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at all Oregon institutions flown at half-staff through Sept. 1. She released the following statement:
“The First Lady and I are so incredibly sad about the passing of Dolly Parton. We loved her music and who she was as a person. Dolly gave the world so much, and her belief in the power of books will forever be a part of her legacy. Through her Imagination Library, she helped bring the joy of stories and the gift of reading to millions of children. Her vision inspired our work to expand the Imagination Library to every corner of Oregon, because, as Dolly said, ‘You can never get enough books in the hands of enough children.’ Oregon is grateful for her extraordinary life, her leadership, and the joy she brought to so many.”
GO: Dolly! at Can Can’s Paris Theatre, 6 SW 3rd Ave., 503-482-9533, cancanportland.com/dolly-2026. 6:30 and 9:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30 pm Sundays, through Sept. 20. $39–$79. 21+.
