SINCE she can remember, professional singer Yazzmin Devoy has been inspired by the iconic voice of Dolly Parton, sitting and watching recordings of her performances on repeat at the young age of three.
And now years on, she gets to embrace her inner Dolly on the stage each night as she performs her tribute act ‘Modern Dolly’.
The 26-year-old from Penketh even gave shoppers in Warrington a surprise last week when she went out of her way to support the singers newly released prosecco line by visiting an Asda in Westbrook all ‘dollied’ up to purchase herself a bottle.
Not tempted by working 'nine til five', Yazzmin now has a full-time career working as a professional singer and bringing her own take on her adored idol.
Recalling when her love for singing first began, Yazzmin told the Warrington Guardian: “I have always been able to sing and started singing professionally full time after lockdown.
“For about two years I have mainly performed at weddings and private parties and now I have added my Modern Dolly show into the mix which is great fun.
“I have been singing professionally for about six years now and started my Dolly Parton tribute act in December of 2023. I’ve always been a huge Dolly fan and have a country style singing voice so after a bit of practice I found it pretty easy to get into the character of Dolly on stage.”
Giving an insight into her ‘modern’ twist on the tribute act, Yazzmin revealed that her performances are not just centred around her voice, as she adds a ‘comedic flair’ to her Dolly persona.
music and followed her career, watching all her interviews and live performances even when I was a child.”
Discussing when she first became a fan of the ‘Jolene’ singer’s work, she added: “Dolly has always been a huge inspiration of mine and so I’ve always listened to her“I have a picture of me dressed as Dolly at age three,” she laughed.
“I am inspired by her fun, carefree personality, her talent for song writing and singing and also her strong morals and kind nature.”
Since her singing career took off, Yazzmin has sung at venues all over the country, from festivals and weddings to private parties in mansions.
But one venue close to her heart which she tries to frequent as much as she can is the Forget-me-not Café at the Oaks Centre in Penketh.
@yazzmindevoy Well of course i had to get all dollied up for the occasion!!😉🥂 #dollyparton #tribute #entertainment #cometoworkwithme #countrymusic @Asda @Dolly Parton ♬ original sound - Yazzmin Devoy
The café caters to those living with dementia and provides support, activities and entertainment to not only the ones that suffer with the disease but the families and carers too.
“My grandad attends this club so I like to volunteer to perform there as often as I can,” she said.
“The last time I performed there, they really enjoyed the show, and I even got a few of them up dancing and singing along.”
Yazzmin attributed being able to “channel my inner idol” as the thing she loved most about being a Dolly Parton tribute act, stating that the role has made her a better performer and a “more confident person”.
And confidence is exactly what she exuded as she strutted into Westbrook Asda in a pair of stilettos, matched with a leopard print dress and a fluffy pink overcoat, ready to purchase her first bottle of Dolly’s new brand of Prosecco.
Posing in front of the meal deal isle in her bright blonde curly wig, Yazzmin proudly held up her bottles of bubbly as a mark of support for her life-long idol.
And in a TikTok she filmed for the occasion, you can hear her joke with the cashier in her Dolly accent about not looking much like the picture on her ID. She also calls out 'howdy' to shoppers and workers in the store, waving to all the turning heads as she strides back through the shop exit.
Sharing her aspirations for the future, the singer said: “My ultimate dream would be to meet Dolly or watch her perform - me and my partner are taking a trip to Dollywood next year which I’m really excited about.”
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