Dolly Parton's Broadway Musical to Open as Planned

Dolly Parton's autobiographical Broadway musical, 'Dolly: A True Original Musical', will proceed as planned despite her death at 80, with previews starting December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City. The musical will open on January 19, 2027, what would have been Dolly Parton's 81st birthday.

The musical tells the story of Parton's life and career, featuring her well-known songs, including 'I Will Always Love You', 'Jolene', 'Coat of Many Colors', and '9 to 5', as well as new songs written specifically for the show. Dolly Parton co-wrote the book for the musical with Maria S. Schlatter, and Bartlett Sher is directing the musical.

The musical had its world premiere in Nashville in July 2025, and the same creative team will be involved in the Broadway production. The producers, including Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions, have confirmed that the show will go on as planned, in line with Parton's wishes.

## What it means The decision to proceed with the musical is a testament to Dolly Parton's legacy and the impact she had on her fans. The show is a passion project that Parton was heavily involved in, and its opening on Broadway will be a celebration of her life and career. The musical's success will depend on its ability to capture the essence of Parton's story and music, and to connect with audiences who are eager to experience her legacy.

## Background Dolly Parton was a country music superstar who wrote the music and lyrics for the 2009 stage adaptation of '9 to 5'. She was 80 years old when she died, leaving behind a legacy of music and entertainment that will continue to inspire and delight audiences. The musical, 'Dolly: A True Original Musical', is a fitting tribute to her life and career, and its opening on Broadway will be a major event in the entertainment world.