B'way Update: Dolly Parton Musical

Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke and
Quinn Titcomb in
Dolly: A True Original Musical in Nashville.
Credit: Matthew Murphy

That Dolly Parton musical is coming to Broadway after all. After receiving mostly negative reviews for its world premiere in Nashville last year, the show's future appeared uncertain. But it has just been announced Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin preview performances at the St. James Theater on Dec. 7 and open on Parton's 81st birthday on Jan. 19, 2027. The score will be composed of Parton's past hits and new tunes she has written especially for the show. Parton also collaborated on the book with Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter (Parton's Christmas on the Square TV movie). Tony winner Barlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific) directs. No word on casting as of yet. In Nashville, the lead role was played by three actresses, enacting different phases in the 11-time Grammy winner's life. Bio musicals on Cher and Donna Summer were similarly split three ways. Parton previously wrote the score to the musical version of 9 to 5, based on the movie in which she co-starred with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.

“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway," says Parton in a statement. "I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”

“During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly. You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy," says Sher. "But despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before. She’s offered glimpses and peeks, but this musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we’re thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story.”

B'way Update: Dolly Parton Musical

Dolly Parton
Credit: Jim Wright

Country superstar Dolly Parton will follow fellow pop music divas Cher, Tina Turner, Gloria Estefan and Donna Summer with a musical based on her life and career. Hello, I'm Dolly (not to be confused with Hello, Dolly) will feature new songs by Parton along with her hits and a book co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, who worked with the singer on TV projects like the Emmy Award-winning Christmas on the Square. The production is slated for Broadway with a target of 2026. Parton made the announcement at the CMA Fest in Nashville. The title is taken from Parton's first solo album released in 1967. Parton's career trajectory resembles that of Cher and Tina Turner--all three began their singing paths under the wing of a domineering male--Cher with Sony Bono, Tina with Ike Turner, and Dolly with Porter Waggoner. Eventually, they all emerged with vibrant solo careers and established themselves as bigger stars than their former mentors.

In a statement, Parton said, “Hello, I’m Dolly, and I lived my whole life to see this show on stage. I’ve written many original songs for the show and included all your favorites in it as well. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll clap, you’ll stomp, it truly is a Grand Ol’ Opera. Pun and fun intended. Don’t miss it!”