The Dolly Parton musical is set for Broadway this winter.
The show, now titled Dolly: A True Original Musical, is scheduled to begin previews at the St. James Theatre on Dec. 7, ahead of a Jan. 19 opening night, which also marks Parton’s 81st birthday. The musical about Parton’s life and career comes to Broadway after premiering in July 2025 in Nashville.
The show features a score of Parton’s well-known songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5,” as well as new songs she has written for the musical. Parton co-wrote the book for the musical with Maria S. Schlatter, who wrote Parton’s Christmas on the Square film. Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award winner for South Pacific, directs.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it,” Parton said.
Casting for the Broadway production will be announced at a later date. In Nashville, Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke and Quinn Titcomb played Parton at different stages in her life.
Parton has previously worked on Broadway, after writing the Tony-nominated score to the musical adaptation of 9 to 5: The Musical, which ran on Broadway in 2009.
The show is produced by Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. It takes over the St. James Theatre after Titanique, which is currently scheduled to end in September.
“After everything we learned during our world premiere in Nashville, we’re shaping the show and deepening the storytelling so that the Broadway production fully captures the spirit of this amazing woman,” Speers said. “To be opening the show on Dolly’s 81st birthday is not only a celebration of a milestone, but of a life shaped by generosity, courage, and purpose that, in this moment, feels not only uplifting and inspiring, but essential.”
