Jenna Bush Hager, the former first daughter and mother of three, is on a mission to make her mark on Broadway. With a successful career as an author and co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, she now has her sights set on the grand stage. In a recent episode of the NBC daytime show, she couldn't resist throwing her hat in the ring for a role in Dolly Parton's upcoming biographical Broadway musical.

Jenna Bush Hager's Quest for a Broadway Break

Jenna's Initial Audition

During the Monday, Dec. 9 episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Bush Hager expressed her desire for a small part in the musical. "Dolly. Please?" she pleaded, with a hint of excitement. Her co-host, Hoda Kotb, 60, joined in, suggesting that even a small role like being an extra or part of the chorus would be a dream come true. Bush Hager even went as far as to record her own audition video, where she spoke the lyrics to Parton's hit, "Jolene," despite admitting that her voice was a bit off. "I have prepared for you, miss Dolly Parton, the lyrics to 'Jolene.' But my voice is a little off," she explained before launching into her audition. Kotb, playing the role of a stage mom, encouraged her to just go for it and sell it.

Bush Hager also went to great lengths to pull together a Parton look by throwing on her own curly, bleach blonde wig. "It was the best we could do on short notice," she laughed. Her determination to make an impression was evident.

Dolly Parton's Musical

Dolly: An Original Musical, originally titled Hello, I'm Dolly, will follow the iconic singer's life and career. The musical's score will feature both classic Parton songs and new numbers written specifically for the show. Parton, 78, announced the open casting call earlier this month on her social media channels, inviting everyone to try out for the opportunity.

"I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!" Parton said. "This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who've been with me along the way. We're looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you're an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something."

The Audition Process

Audition videos have been flooding social media under the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must complete the application form on the musical's site. The application window will close on Jan. 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. After reviewing submissions, the show will invite promising applicants to New York City for a formal audition process.

This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring performers to showcase their talent and potentially land a role in one of Broadway's most highly anticipated shows. With Jenna Bush Hager's participation and Dolly Parton's involvement, the musical is sure to be a hit.

Today with Hoda & Jenna airs weekdays (at 10 a.m. ET) on NBC.

Taron Egerton and Chloe Bennet have been making headlines with their cozy outings in the cold streets of New York City. On that fateful Sunday, December 8th, the spotlight was on these two stars as they were photographed strolling together. The 35-year-old Rocketman star and the 32-year-old Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star held hands as they went about their day, buying coffee and doing some shopping. Egerton, with his buzzed hair almost to the skin, looked casually stylish in his jeans and dark green puffy coat. Bennet, on the other hand, kept the cold at bay with her dark peacoat and long blue scarf. This marks the first time these two have been linked as a potential couple, and representatives for both have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Egerton's Past Romances

Before this, Taron Egerton was in an on-and-off relationship with Emily Thomas. He would often take her to red carpet events until their split in 2022. This shows that Egerton has had his share of romantic entanglements in the past.Egerton's latest movie, Carry-On, is set to debut on Netflix on December 13th. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the thriller stars Egerton as a TSA agent who finds himself in a tricky situation when blackmailed by a mysterious airport traveler played by Jason Bateman. In addition to this, he has other upcoming projects like the crime series Firebug and the thriller She Rides Shotgun. There is also uncertainty about another installment in the Kingsman franchise, which launched his career with 2014's Kingsman: The Secret Service. At the Los Angeles Carry-On premiere on December 6th, Egerton told the Associated Press that "the story isn't finished" and that he's "working on" a sequel.