Natasha Neely—Our Dolly
The last time I spoke with Natasha Neely Henry, our* Duncan Hines Days Dolly PartonImpersonator. I noticed over the phone, her laugh…sounded like Dolly’s. And if you’re a fan–you know. It’s a warm and joyful laugh. Which sets the tempo for Natasha’s success. Like her subject, Natasha has an incredible, sparkly presence. With that laugh, I can’t help but think of Dolly, springtime, and great tunes like, “Sittin’ on the Front Porch Swing” and all the qualities that bring this beautiful region to life in Dolly’s music.
We chatted about Miss Neely’s early days at Beverly “Goldie” Payne’s Best Little Opry House (sadly closed since 2008). And at just 3 yrs old, she conquered the heart of Owensboro. Fearing that her toddler years were an overscheduled “9 to 5,”–all taking and no giving–existence, I asked Natasha if she was “made to perform.” Yes, reader–I meant a J.O.B. Her response was warm: “I believe I was made (born) to be on stage….throughout middle school and high school, I would choose to perform with my Opry house family on weekends versus going out with my friends doing things most kids do at that age.”
“Growing up on stage at Goldie's, I performed every weekend from 3 years old until Goldie’s closed (even through middle and high school).” Natasha further reminisced, “God Bless America" at Goldie's was her first performance. Imagine her parents and Goldie encouraging and guiding her through her stage fright. Flash-forward, Natasha can do the same for area children. This June, she's scheduled to celebrate the success of The Dolly Parton/Duncan Hines cake mix. With the “Mini Dollys” pageant, little ones will "serve looks" and or lip sync to Dolly Parton’s songs. Ages: 0yr-2yrs appear on-stage in costume. And performances with costumed children in age categories: 3yrs-5yrs, 6yrs-8yrs. The fun begins after the Duncan Walk ‘n’ Wheels Parade at 5 pm at Circus Square Park.
I asked Natasha, "With as many talents shows out there, how do you feel about them?" Natasha answered, "...having participated in talent shows in my hometown and surrounding regions... It's a great way to gain exposure, courage, and performing experience .” She added that she looks forward to judging the Mini Dollys with our area children. As they perform and create sacred memories with their families and friends. Natasha’s experience as a judge and performer will assure a great event.
Beneath the stage lights, Natasha has forged lifelong friendships. Her affiliation with the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) afforded her many opportunities and professional growth. Honing your craft, attending workshops, and helping with production may not be glamorous. But Natasha asserts these rolled-up-sleeves-connections are valuable. She’s also presented awards at the IBMA, with Bowling Green’s legendary Sam Bush. While supporting friends and enjoying the music Natasha would attend many of Owensboro’s ROMP festivals with industry-trusted-friend, and ROMP sound engineer, Steve Chandler. She also enjoyed opening for George Jones. And performed on stage at the national, “Live from Nashville: Country Legends” tour.
When asked if she had seen any Dolly drag shows. Natasha mentions a Nashville corporate event where she worked with Veronika Electronika. “She was so fabulous! I think all of us Dolly impersonators can watch and learn from each other whether we are drag queens or not.” Natasha repeated Dolly’s famous quote “Some of the drag queens look more like me than I do!” Mrs. Neely Henry mentioned an amazing encounter with Dolly in the recording studio. She spoke to Dolly about having impersonated her for over a decade. Dolly replied, “Good luck with your career whether it’s being you or me!” Of course, it hasn’t all been butterflies and rainbows.
During COVID, Natasha who was a daily performer barely sang for an entire year. “The vocal cords are like any muscle and need to be used to keep the strength and endurance” Natasha explains. Having been on unemployment for over a year in addition to a need to keep the vocal chords exercised, the Neely Henry family found a solution.
“My husband and I had fun singing around the house that year, and I had more time to practice piano and guitar. It was a sad world for singers and musicians (2020 shutdown), but we got through it.” Natasha mentions the lessons they learned; don’t take anything for granted and also take rest. Born out of this time, she and her crooner husband, Kyle Henry pooled their talents. And dove into recording, Real Love. The six-song ep lists some wonderful classics. Enjoy familiar duets from Frank and Nancy Sinatra, and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. As well as Irving Berlin standards. Natasha mentions watching the Dolly family members' show at Dollywood and enjoying a seldom-sung Dolly duet, “Real Love”. “I think it’s a great song… I wanted to use it in my career somehow.” The album has an eclectic mix that anyone will enjoy and can be purchased (even on vinyl!) directly from her website natashaneely.com:
Happy Anywhere
Real Love
Cheek to Cheek
I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You
Somethin’ Stupid
Beauty and the Beast
Make sure to catch Natasha while she’s in town on June 9th. When she and Brie Golliher will whip up some amazing Duncan Hines ReMIXed treats from 5-7 pm at the SOKY Marketplace during a live cooking demonstration. Seating is Free but limited for this sold-out event, so get it while it’s hot! Natasha also has a performance on the 10th, at the Capitol Theatre, in Bowling Green where she’ll be singing as Dolly. And “Our Dolly” will be recounting life from her “Tennessee Mountain Home” in addition to singing your favorites. Tickets are available through capitolbg.org.
*There can be no other. She’s from Owensboro, is sugar-sweet, and gives her all–just like Dolly!
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