Dolly Parton‘s DOLLY: A True Original Musical will officially premiere in early 2027. Parton announced the news on social media.
“I can officially announce that DOLLY: A True Original Musical is coming to Broadway, and you’re invited,” Parton shares. “Just like the title says, I mean true, in every sense of the word. Now this isn’t 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 found my way, and told it in my own words, and through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.
“Now the musical has some of my big hits, plus a lot of brand-new songs that I’ve written just for the show,” she continues. This really is a dream come true, and the Broadway performances start in New York City later this year, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.”
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In a press release, Parton also shares her thoughts on watching her long-awaited musical come to life.
“My whole life has been a musical,” Parton says. “A grand ole opera really! 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!”
Preview performances will begin on December 7. The opening night of DOLLY: A True Original Musical will take place on January 18, 2027, to coincide with Parton’s 81st birthday.
DOLLY: A True Original Musical will play at New York’s St. James Theatre, located at 246 West 44th Street. Presale begins on July. 8.
What Dolly Parton Says About a Broadway Musical About Her Life
When announcing the musical, Parton said she wanted to see it come to life while she was still able to enjoy it.
“Right now, I’m working on my life story as a musical, and so going on Broadway and opening my show on Broadway, that’s been a biggie [goal] in my mind for many, many years,” Parton previously told People. “That’d be the one that I want to make certain I get done while I’m still kicking, while I’m around to stay involved in it.”
Parton originally wanted to create DOLLY: A True Original Musical before 2020.
“I was just about to have it ready when COVID hit, and Broadway shut down,” Parton revealed. “Then I thought, ‘Well, maybe I’ll do it as a biopic,’ and wrote up a script for that. But then I was like, ‘Nah, everybody’s doing a biopic! I’m going back to Broadway now that it’s open.’”
Dolly Parton Gives an Update On Her Health
Parton recently gave a new update on her health, after previously postponing her Las Vegas residency. In May, the Country Music Hall of Fame member canceled her residency, revealing she was focusing on her health.
“I have some good news, and a little bad news,” Parton says in a video shared on social media. “But the good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments. And I’m improving every day. The bad news is it’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level, because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say.
“And of course, I can’t be swimmy-headed carrying around banjos and guitars and such on five-inch heels,” she continues. “And you know that I’m going to be wearing them. Not to mention all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big…personality. Lord, that would make anybody swimmy-headed. Just think of me like an old classic car that, once restored, can be better than ever.”