Photo by The Associated Press Singer and actress Carol Channing, second from left, smiles after singing with Rep. Fran Wendelboe for Gov. John Lynch, right, at the Governor and Council meeting in Concord on Wednesday.

Hello, Johnny! Published, June 28, 2007

CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch got the ultimate serenade at the Statehouse Wednesday, a lyrical remake on “Hello, Dolly!’’ by stage and screen icon Carol Channing.

Channing, 86, sang the impromptu lyrics in the Executive Council chambers, and later in Representatives Hall, to a standing ovation of legislators on their final day of the 2007 session.

“Here’s your hat, Johnny. Stay right where you’re at, Johnny. Susan at your side another term,’’ Channing sang, assisted by Rep. Fran Wendleboe, R-New Hampton, and Rep. Susan Emerson, R-Rindge.

Channing is a 1964 Tony Award-winner for her performance as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the Broadway production of “Hello, Dolly!’’ Her other accolades included films such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’’ 10 gold albums, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.

“It’s too bad you can’t see our leg work from your seat,’’ Channing quipped of the dance the three women did to the melody.

She and her fourth husband, Harry Kullijian, have been working on dedicating state spending to arts in their home state of California.

“What a megastar and what a tremendously gracious and wonderful woman she is,’’ Lynch said.

Channing was in Concord for a benefit concert Wednesday night at the Capitol Center for the Arts.

– KEVIN LANDRIGAN