The country star’s life story will reach Broadway while she continues recovering from health issues.
NEW YORK — Dolly Parton’s life story is headed to Broadway, with “Dolly: A True Original Musical” set to begin previews Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre and open Jan. 19, 2027, on the country star’s 81st birthday.
The Broadway announcement gives Parton a major new stage project after months of concern over her health and the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency. The 80-year-old singer, songwriter and businesswoman is not expected to appear in the cast. Instead, she is shaping the show through its music, book and public story.
Parton said the production has been “a lifetime in the works,” framing the musical as a personal account of her rise from rural Tennessee to international fame. The show will feature new songs written for the stage, along with some of her best-known hits, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” The musical follows a Nashville run before moving to New York, where Broadway casting has not yet been announced.
The new production comes after Parton canceled her planned Las Vegas residency, “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,” which had been scheduled for September 2026 at Caesars Palace. The residency was first planned for December 2025, then postponed as Parton dealt with medical issues. In a May health update, she said she was improving but not yet ready for the physical demands of a full stage show. Parton said some treatments left her feeling “swimmy-headed,” making it unsafe to perform in her usual high heels and stage costumes.
Parton has said her health issues were treatable and that she was responding to medication and care. She also told fans she was still working on other projects while stepping back from live performance. Those projects include recordings, videos, a Nashville museum and hotel, and revisions to the Broadway musical. Her comments were meant to calm fans after earlier concerns about her condition, including public worry from family members and supporters.
“Dolly: A True Original Musical” has a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award-winning director, is leading the production. The creative team also includes choreographer Mandy Moore, scenic designer Derek McLane and music figures tied closely to Parton’s long career. The show tells Parton’s story across different parts of her life, with multiple performers expected to portray her at different ages.
The Broadway schedule puts the musical at the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th St., with previews beginning Dec. 7. Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027. Tickets went on presale July 8, with general sales set for July 10. The production has announced performances through Nov. 21, 2027, though Broadway runs can change based on ticket demand and theater schedules.
The project marks a different kind of stage return for Parton. She will not be singing nightly before audiences, but the show keeps her voice at the center through her writing, songs and life story. The shift also lets Parton remain active while avoiding the physical strain of a concert residency. Her team has not announced when she may return to live performance.
Parton’s career has long crossed music, film, books, philanthropy and business. She became one of country music’s most successful artists after growing up in Sevier County, Tennessee, and later built Dollywood into a major tourism draw in Pigeon Forge. Her Imagination Library, which mails books to children, has also become a key part of her public legacy.
The musical arrives during a difficult period in Parton’s personal life. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Parton has spoken publicly about grief while continuing to work. The Broadway production now places her life story before audiences at a time when fans have been watching both her recovery and her next career move closely.
For now, the next milestone is Dec. 7, when previews begin in New York. Opening night is set for Jan. 19, 2027, turning Parton’s 81st birthday into the official Broadway debut of her life story.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.