Dolly Parton Reveals When Her Autobiographical Musical Opens On Broadway
By Kelly Fisher
July 7, 2026
Dolly Parton is bringing her autobiographical musical to Broadway this winter.
The legendary country artist, 80, tells her life story in DOLLY: A True Original Musical. The production features music by Parton, including some of the most iconic hits spanning her career and new songs (including “Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Dumb Blonde,” “Coat Of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and more). Parton tamed up with Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter and Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher to bring the musical to life. The show will open on Broadway this winter, with preview performances beginning on Monday, December 7. The show’s opening night is slated for Parton’s 81st birthday on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, per a press release issued Tuesday morning (July 7). DOLLY: A True Original Musical will take place at St. James Theatre, located at 246 West 44th Street in New York City.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really!” Parton said in a statement. “We have a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show! Can’t wait to see you there!"
Parton announced her autobiographical musical for the first time at the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest in June 2024. Before bringing it to Broadway, she debuted the production at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Three actresses originated the role of Dolly Parton, playing the beloved legend in different stages of her life: Quinn Titcomb, Carrie St. Louis and Katie Rose Clarke. St. Louis spoke with iHeartCountry last year, sharing that the role had been “the honor of a lifetime.”
“During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly,” Sher said in a statement. “You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy. 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.”
Additional details about the Broadway production will be announced at a later date, per the press release. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Friday (July 10).