Dolly Parton’s Musical Will Still Open on Broadway ‘As Was Dolly’s Wish’

Dolly Parton’s “Dolly: A True Original Musical” will open on Broadway “as was Dolly’s wish.” The news follows the death of the country music superstar on Tuesday.

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In a statement to Variety, the producers confirmed, “As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will begin previews December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City with opening set for January 19, 2027, what would have been her 81^st birthday.”

The musical tells the life story of the country-pop superstar.

The show, which had its world premiere in Nashville in the summer of 2025 as “Dolly: An Original Musical,” will head to New York with much the same creative team intact, including music by Parton (with some new songs joining familiar chestnuts from her catalog), a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, and Tony winner Bartlett Sher in the director’s chair. Choreographer Mandy Moore is also continuing on from the Nashville run. The producers are Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions.

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“My whole life has been a musical. 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,” said Parton when the news was announced. It was a passion project for the country music legend who shared her excitement. “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!”

When the project was announced, Sher added, “During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly. 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.”

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