Dolly Parton performs on August 23, 2016 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images The Dolly Parton musical is moving forward with previews as planned, after the death of the country legend.
“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,” the producers said in a statement Tuesday.
Parton was a co-writer and listed as a lead producer on the musical, which chronicles the singer’s life and career and features a score of her well-known songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5,” as well as new songs she wrote for the musical. Danny Nozell, Adam Speers, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions are also producing. The musical has been announced to open Jan. 19, on what would have been Parton’s 81st birthday. The production did not comment on whether there will be a special commemoration for Parton or future plans beyond the initial statement.
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Parton co-wrote the book for the musical with Maria S. Schlatter, who wrote Parton’s Christmas on the Square film. Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award winner for South Pacific, directs. The musical was announced for Broadway after a world premiere in Nashville in July 2025. Casting for the Broadway production has not yet been announced, but in Nashville, Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke and Quinn Titcomb played Parton at different stages in her life.
Parton also wrote the Tony-nominated score to the musical adaptation of 9 to 5: The Musical, which ran on Broadway in 2009.
A rep for the singer confirmed her passing Tuesday at the age of 80, as celebrities paid tribute.
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