Dolly Parton’s long-awaited autobiographical stage production now has official Broadway dates. Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin preview performances on Dec. 7, 2026, at the St. James Theatre in New York City. The musical’s official premiere is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027, which coincides with Parton’s 81st birthday.
The announcement marks the next step for a production that first premiered in Nashville in 2025. After its initial run, the creative team continued developing the musical before confirming its Broadway transfer.
Dolly shared her excitement,”My whole life has been a musical. 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.”
A Story Based on Dolly Parton’s Life
Dolly: A True Original Musical tells the story of Parton’s life, beginning with her childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and following her journey to international success as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. The production draws on her own experiences and features a book co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter.
The score combines many of Parton’s best-known songs with new music written specifically for the production. Audience members can expect to hear songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You” alongside original material created for the musical.
READ: Disney Testing Market for Digital Pin Trading with America 250 Disney+ Giveaway
Unlike 9 to 5: The Musical, which adapted the 1980 film, this production focuses on Parton’s own life and career. It traces her personal and professional experiences rather than telling a fictional story.
Creative Team Returns for Broadway
Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher will direct the Broadway production. The creative team also includes choreographer Mandy Moore, music supervision by Stephen Oremus, orchestrations by John Clancy, and musical contributions from Kent Wells, who has worked with Parton for decades.
Dolly Parton Dressed As a Firefighter At Dollywood, Photo Credit: Kris Harris King, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
READ: Universal Japan Getting a Special Harry Potter After Hours Event
During the Nashville engagement, three actresses portrayed Parton at different stages of her life. Broadway casting has not yet been announced, although producers have confirmed that additional casting information will be released later.
Broadway Premiere Follows Nashville Run
The musical held its world premiere at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. Producers used that engagement to refine the production before bringing it to Broadway.
Dolly Parton rings in the 40th anniversary of Dollywood in person – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The Broadway production will open at the historic St. James Theatre, one of New York City’s long-running Broadway venues. Preview performances will begin more than a month before opening night, giving the creative team time to make adjustments before the official premiere.
Tickets and Next Steps
Advance ticket sales begin in July 2026. Early access is available before tickets go on sale to the general public on July 10. Performances are currently scheduled through Nov. 21, 2027.
The production has evolved since it was first announced in 2024 under the working title Hello, I’m Dolly. It later became Dolly: An Original Musical before receiving its current title, Dolly: A True Original Musical, for the Broadway production.
The Dolly Parton Broadway musical premiere will celebrate both a new chapter in the entertainer’s career and a personal milestone. Opening night falls on Parton’s 81st birthday, making the date significant for both the production and its subject. With Broadway dates now confirmed, attention will shift to casting announcements and the final preparations before previews begin in December.
Are you excited to see Hello I’m Dolly? Let us know your thoughts on her upcoming Broadway musical in the comments below.
