VIDEO: Dolly Parton tribute act performs set for Peterborough man diagnosed with cancer

Chris Baker (67), who was diagnosed last month, has been a lifelong fan of the American singer, whose biggest hits include ‘Islands In The Stream,’ ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘Jolene.’

She rarely tours the UK but as a special birthday surprise for his father, Simon (34) arranged for a Dolly style perfomance to take place on Thursday (September 17) outside his father’s home in Orton Malborne.

Things came together very last minute but after a search on Facebook, he was able to find Lucy Floyd, who agreed to travel from her home in Derbyshire for the performance.

Simon said: “Dad’s had a tough year so I wanted to give him something that he and the whole family could remember.

“When I first came up with the idea I was half joking but at around 11pm on Sunday I frantically searced the internet for Dolly acts and luckily I found Lucy.

“The whole family was in on it, my siblings Rachel and Matthew helped and we had his wife Susan give us a key and keep dad distracted while we set up the PA system, the garden chairs and Dolly got ready in her car.

“At first he was a typical dad, asking what we we’re doing but once he saw what was happening, he was stunned and shocked and it was emotional for all of us.

“I’m really happy with how it went and grateful we were able to bring his favourite singer to life in front of him.”

Simon’s brother Matthew, who lives in Stafford, travelled to Peterborough to catch the performance and arrived just in time for the socially distanced show.

Neighbours also heard what was going on and came outside to enjoy the show.

Singer Lucy Floyd added: “As the performance began the tears began to flow and I really had to hold it together through some of the songs today, I could see and feel the emotion.

“I want to thank the Baker Family for letting me be a part of this special time with their dad and husband.

“The dream is that Dolly sees the video and they get the chance to get a video message from Dolly, and I just hope I do her proud in the work that I do.”