

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Neely. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Natasha Neely began performing at the age of three in her hometown country music show called Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Owensboro, Kentucky. She grew up singing in church, leading worship, and performing in various venues across Kentucky. She eventually left Kentucky to perform in Pigeon Forge, TN at Dollywood.
In addition, she spent several seasons entertaining guests at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. As an emcee and a singer/dancer, Natasha performed in the national tour of the country production Live From Nashville. She eventually settled in Music City and obtained a degree in Music Business from Belmont University. While at Belmont, she hosted The Best of the Best showcase alongside TV personality Harry Chapman in the Curb Event Center. Natasha has performed extensively in and around Nashville including opening for country music legend George Jones, sharing the stage with Louise Mandrell in her Christmas show at Gaylord Opryland Resort, and performing in Music City On Stage at Barbara Mandrell’s The Fontanel Mansion.
She has been traveling with The Downtown Band Entertainment for the past eight years providing music and entertainment for weddings and corporate events all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you also find her teaching country line dancing or even dressed up singing as Dolly Parton at popular venues in Nashville. For eight years, Natasha starred in live production shows up and down the Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat.
She has been a regular entertainer at the Music City staple The Nashville Palace as well as the world-famous Wildhorse Saloon. Currently, you can find her on tour around the United States with the country band Rodeo Disco as well as with her self-written 90-minute tribute show Dolly!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, it’s thankfully been a smooth road! A lot of my career path has been one thing naturally leading to another.
It’s been about connections, networking, and people I’ve met along the way! Even earning a BBA in Music Business from Belmont University was even more about the connections and opportunities versus the degree itself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an entertainer, I’ve grown up singing country music from the time I was 3 years old, dressed in a cowgirl hat, and denim skirt, and read cowgirl boots singing “God Bless America” on our hometown little Opry stage. From there, I knew I always wanted to sing country music! During the summertime while in college, I had the opportunity to take my first professional performing opportunity at Dollywood in a show called Country Crossroads.
After Dollywood and being back in Nashville full-time, a booking agent in town asked if I would be interested in being the Dolly lookalike or impersonator that could be pitched for corporate events. This was already an established form of entertainment in Nashville at the time, but they specifically wanted their own “Dolly.” I said, “Sure, why not!” 12 years later, I have made a career as a Dolly impersonator/lookalike. There have been lots of really unique opportunities along the way!
I have performed as “Dolly” for Naomi Judd, worked Dolly’s Grand Ole Opry Birthday Show since the real Dolly herself couldn’t be in attendance, and have put together my own 90 min tribute show which happens to features Dolly’s niece on the background harmony vocals. I never would have dreamed that a career being “Dolly” in Nashville and also around the country, would ever be something that would become a full-time business for myself.
In addition to my Dolly business, I spent 13 years performing in production shows in Hersheypark, PA, Pigeon Forge, TN, but mostly upon the General Jackson Showboat, where I spent 8 years performing in the midday cruise and subbing in the evening cruise. I’d perform a minimum of 5 shows weekly for Nashville visitors and guests.
Currently, I continue to travel and perform with The Downtown Band Entertainment. I handle logistics, wardrobe design, and creative as the Operations Specialist for our country product Rodeo Disco, as we travel all over the country as well as internationally performing for high-end luxury events. I am proud to not only be able to perform with the band but to also handle the business side of the touring band. I consider that almost as fun! (almost).
When I’m not working, I soak in one of my very things to do, which is to spend quality time with my husband Kyle and my three cats Catsy Cline, Conway Kitty, and Jolene.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
It would probably be surprising to learn that I’m an introvert. Ok, maybe an extroverted introvert.
When you grow up performing for a living and being in the public eye, it often takes alone time to recharge for the next day. I find that most of my industry friends can also relate. I love recharging for the next day in peace with a fire going, a glass of red, and my fur babies nearby. You would probably label me as an extrovert if you were around me often!
Also, I have a personal training business as well! I train women only and travel to them. ACE certified as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist Specialist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natashaneely.com
- Instagram: @natashaneelyhenry
- Facebook: @NatashaNeely
- Linkedin: @NatashaHenry
- Other: www.natashaneelyfitness.com
Image Credits
Shannon Fontaine Photography and Jason Mallory Photography