Dolly Parton’s Broadway Musical Will Launch on Star’s 81st Birthday

Published: July 9, 2026

By Michaela Gordoni

Dolly Parton is getting a Broadway musical for her birthday.

“Dolly: A True Original Musical” will debut with new music and Parton’s classics on Jan. 19, Parton’s 81st birthday, Deadline reported.

“My whole life has been a musical,” Parton said in a statement. “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.”

Pre-sale tickets went on sale yesterday, July 8, and are available to purchase until July 10 until 9:59 a.m. ET. The musical premiered last year in Nashville. Among some of the classic songs sung are “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.”

Bartlett Sher, who directs, 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.”

The musical tells Parton’s whole story — not just peeks or glimpses.

“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,” he said.

Parton has also written a book, her story, and the musical with Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter.

The creative team includes Mandy Moore, Derek McLane, Jennifer Moeller, Donald Holder, Peter Hylenski, Nathan Amzi, Joe Ransom, Robert Pickens and Studio Pickens. The cast will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Adam Speers of ATG Productions said, “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.”

Earlier this year, Parton cancelled her Las Vegas residency, which was set to start in September, due to undisclosed health issues.

“I have some good news and a little bad news,” she said on social media in May. “The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day.”

However, she admitted it will take her a while until she is ready to perform again.

Last month, fans were surprised when she showed up to open her new Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tenneessee. She didn’t share her vocals, but she did offer lots of big smiles and her presence.

Questions or comments? Please write to us here.

Add Movieguide® as preferred on Google