Original Ariel Jodi Benson Poses with Daughter After She Plays Same “Little Mermaid ”Role: 'Honored to Pass My Dinglehopper to You'
Delaney played Ariel in a Miami-based production from July 11 to Aug. 4
Jodi Benson/Facebook
Jodi Benson and daughter DelaneyJodi Benson is welcoming her daughter into another part of her world.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the actress, who voiced the original character of Ariel in Disney's 1989 film The Little Mermaid, shared an emotional post on social media as she reflected on her daughter Delaney's run as the same titular character in a Miami-based production.
"When Delaney was 4 yrs old, I brought her up on stage with me during my concert. I did a little interview with her before I started to sing my song “Part of Your World," Benson, 62, remembered.
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"I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She very quickly and confidently took the mic out of my hand and said, 'I want to be Ariel when my Mommy dies!' " added the star.
Benson went on to say that it was at that moment she realized her daughter would one day play the role, noting she was "born to play Ariel."
"You made her your very own. You were so brilliant. You infused your joy, your humor, your passion and your love into every moment of her story," Benson wrote in her post of Delaney. "It’s hard for me to find the words to express how I felt as I watched you on stage. I was and am so incredibly proud of you."
Benson went on to say how proud she is of her daughter, adding that she's "honored to pass my treasured dinglehopper to you."
"You are, and always will be, my Ariel," the proud mom said. "…oh, and I’m so thankful I was still alive to see you become Ariel!"
"Mom ???? love you so much!! thanks for sharing Ariel with me ??," Delaney sweetly replied to her mom on Instagram.
Delaney performed for Area Stage in Miami, FL, from July 11 to Aug. 4 as the character she has known all her life.
Alongside the sweet message, Benson shared photos of herself backstage with her daughter, who looked to be dressed in Ariel's costume from her wedding at the end of the show. Delaney donned the mermaid's signature red locks, wearing a white dress and carrying red flowers.
Benson can be seen standing next to her daughter, wearing a light blue dress and white heels. The actress' husband Ray can be seen standing on the other side of Delaney, smiling.
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