NEW YORK — "Dolly: A True Original Musical" is scheduled to begin previews at New York's St. James Theatre on December 7, 2026, with an official opening on January 19, 2027. Parton turns 81 on January 19, 2027.

Dolly Parton and Maria S. Schlatter wrote the book for the musical. Bartlett Sher is the director, and Mandy Moore serves as the choreographer. Stephen Oremus is the music supervisor, Charity Wicks is the music director, and John Clancy provides orchestrations. Kent Wells acts as musical consultant, while Richard Dennison and Gregg Perry handle music and vocal arrangement duties.

Parton stated, "My whole life has been a musical. 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!" Sher said, "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."

Producer Adam Speers said, "Having worked with Dolly on both the new version of '9 to 5' in the West End and on 'Dolly,' I can say without hesitation that being in her orbit changes how you think about what one person can give to the world. What defines her is not only extraordinary talent, but a lifetime of conscious choices – to lead with kindness, to contribute meaningfully, and to give back in ways that have endured, all with inimitable style and great humor. After everything we learned during our world-premiere in Nashville, we're shaping the show and deepening the storytelling so that the Broadway production fully captures the spirit of this amazing woman. To be opening the show on Dolly's 81st birthday is not only a celebration of a milestone, but of a life shaped by generosity, courage, and purpose that, in this moment, feels not only uplifting and inspiring, but essential."

The musical premiered under the title "Dolly: An Original Musical" in Nashville in the summer of 2025 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Producers include Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions.

Derek McLane is the scenic designer for the Broadway production, Jennifer Moeller is the costume designer, Donald Holder is the lighting designer, and Peter Hylenski is the sound designer. Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom are the video designers, Robert Pickens is the hair designer, and Studio Pickens provided makeup design. Michael J. Passaro is the production stage manager, and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner are the casting directors. The musical will feature songs such as "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "9 to 5."

No casting has been announced for the Broadway production. Tickets for general public sales will begin on July 10, 2026. A ticketing pre-sale for Capital One cardholders is scheduled for July 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets will primarily be available for performances from December 7, 2026, to November 21, 2027. Parton has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Additionally, "Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony" began an extended run at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on June 16, 2026.