Dream come true': Dolly Parton brings her life story to a musical on Broadway

Dolly Parton brings her life story to the Broadway stage with Dolly: A True Original Musical, opening on January 19, 2026—the day of her 81st birthday. Parton’s production will begin previews on December 7 at the St. James Theater, and she described the project as a “dream come true.” She emphasized that the musical focuses on her origins, losses, loves, and how she found her path, rather than “sparkle and shine.” The singer will not appear in the show. Directed by Bartlett Sher, a nine-time Tony nominee for best director, the soundtrack includes songs from Parton’s catalog such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” along with original songs written for the musical. Parton collaborated on the book with Maria S. Schlatter. The musical premiered in Nashville last year, then underwent revisions before Broadway.