Country music legend Dolly Parton is stepping into a new chapter. The 80-year-old singer has announced that her life story will become a Broadway musical. The exciting production, titled “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” will begin preview shows in December 2026. Its official opening is set for January 19, 2027, which is also Parton’s birthday.
The musical will feature some of her biggest songs. Fans can expect classics like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colors.” Although Parton will not perform on stage, she is writing new songs for the show. She is also sharing her personal story through the production. In a video shared on Instagram, Parton said,
“Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside. It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way.”
Award-winning director Bartlett Sher will lead the Broadway production. The announcement comes after a difficult period for the music icon. Earlier this year, Parton canceled her “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency because of ongoing health issues. She had first postponed the shows before finally calling them off in May.
At the time, she explained that she was getting better but was not yet “up to stage performance level.” She also missed a September 2025 appearance at Dollywood after suffering from kidney stones.Beyond her health struggles, Parton also faced a painful personal loss. Her husband of almost 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
Despite those difficult moments, she continues to inspire fans with her resilience. The musical first premiered in Nashville before being updated for its Broadway run. Fans hoping to attend can begin pre-sale ticket registration from Wednesday.
For many, the show promises to celebrate not only Dolly Parton’s music but also the remarkable life behind the global superstar.
