Dolly Parton musical to open on Broadway with December previews
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Dolly Parton's biographical stage show, now titled "Dolly: A True Original Musical", is heading to Broadway, with previews beginning at the St. James Theatre on 7 December 2026 and an official opening night set for 19 January 2027, the country-pop star's 81st birthday. The production, which had its world premiere in Nashville in the summer of 2025, marks Parton's second Broadway venture and confirms the transfer of a long-gestating project telling the story of her life.
The show retains much of its Nashville creative team, including music by Parton (with new songs alongside catalogue favourites), a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, direction by Tony winner Bartlett Sher and choreography by Mandy Moore. A Capital One cardholder pre-sale opens on the Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, followed by a general on-sale the Friday, with tickets initially available through 21 November 2027. Parton's first Broadway outing was "9 to 5: The Musical" in 2009; casting for the new production has not yet been announced, though three actresses played Parton at different life stages in Nashville.
- Dolly Parton's life-story musical opens on Broadway in December 2026.
- Official opening night falls on her 81st birthday, 19 January 2027.
- Much of the Nashville creative team transfers; casting not yet announced.
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Dolly Parton is one of country music's biggest stars, known both for her songwriting and performing career and for hits such as "9 to 5" and "Jolene". A stage musical telling her life story has been in the works for some time, and this project is now moving to Broadway, New York's home for major theatre productions, after first being staged in Nashville in 2025.
The show, previously developed under a different working title, features Parton's own music alongside a book she has co-written, and is being led by an experienced Broadway director and choreographer. It follows Parton's earlier Broadway credit, the stage adaptation of her film "9 to 5", and represents a new chapter in bringing her personal story to a wider theatre audience.
Broadway transfers like this typically involve previews, where a show runs before critics formally review it, followed by an official opening night. The timing here connects the production to a milestone in Parton's own life, adding a personal dimension to the show's launch.
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Originally published by Variety as “Dolly Parton’s ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ Sets Broadway Run, With Previews Beginning in December”.