Dolly Parton's musical to make Broadway debut on her 81st birthday

Dolly Parton's stage musical is set to make its Broadway debut on her 81st birthday.

Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin previews at Broadway's St. James Theatre on 7 December, ahead of its official opening on 19 January 2027, coinciding with the country music icon's birthday.

The news was announced on Tuesday by Parton and the show's producers.

"My whole life has been a musical," Parton said in a statement. "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."

The upcoming production chronicles the life and career of the Jolene singer, featuring newly written songs alongside some of her best-known hits, including 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You and Coat of Many Colors.

The musical had its world premiere last summer at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Parton's hometown of Nashville.

The hitmaker first announced the project in June 2024, revealing that she had been working on the musical for several years.

The Broadway production will be directed by Bartlett Sher, a nine-time Tony Award nominee who won Best Direction of a Musical in 2008. Casting for the Broadway run has yet to be announced.

In a previous statement, Sher said he was "overwhelmed" by the response to the show's world premiere.

"During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly," he said. "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," the director continued. "As we prepare to come to Broadway, we're thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story."