Dolly Parton is taking DOLLY: A True Original Musical to Broadway, with previews set for Dec. 7, 2026, at the St. James Theatre and opening night scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027. The production uses Parton’s songs, new music, and a book co-written with Maria S. Schlatter to frame her life story.
Key Takeaways
- DOLLY: A True Original Musical begins Broadway previews on Dec. 7, 2026.
- Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027, Parton’s 81st birthday.
- The musical will play the St. James Theatre at 246 West 44th Street in New York City.
- The show features Parton songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
- Broadway casting has not yet been announced.
Dolly Parton announced on July 7, 2026, that DOLLY: A True Original Musical will move to Broadway this winter after its earlier Nashville staging. The production is scheduled to begin preview performances on Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, before an official opening on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027.
That opening date gives the musical a clear news point. Jan. 19 is Parton’s birthday, and the 2027 opening will coincide with her 81st birthday.
The musical enters Broadway at a time when artist-led stage stories and music-driven productions remain a visible part of New York theater. Its arrival also adds another title to the wider conversation around Broadway performance evolution, especially as popular music catalogs continue to move into theatrical formats.
The Broadway Dates
DOLLY: A True Original Musical will play at the St. James Theatre, located at 246 West 44th Street in New York City. Fan presale access and eligible Capital One cardholder presale access began July 8 at 10 a.m. ET and were scheduled to run through July 10 at 9:59 a.m. ET, subject to availability.
General public sales were scheduled to begin July 10 at 10 a.m. ET. The initial ticket window covers performances through Nov. 21, 2027.
What Will DOLLY: A True Original Musical Cover?
DOLLY: A True Original Musical presents Parton’s life through her own music and a book co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. The production follows her from the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to a public career spanning music, film, television, books, and stage work.
The show features familiar songs from Parton’s catalog, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” It also includes new music written by Parton for the stage production.
Parton described the project in direct personal terms, saying, “My whole life has been a musical.” The line places the production less as a detached biography and more as a stage version of a public life already closely tied to songwriting and performance.
The use of “I Will Always Love You” also points to the way songs can move across artists, audiences, and eras, a familiar part of song cover craft when a composition becomes associated with more than one performer.
A Catalog With New Material
The production does not rely only on well-known songs. The addition of new music gives the Broadway version material created specifically for scenes and story points.
The official announcement states that Parton has written more than 3,000 songs and has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. Those figures provide context for why the production can draw from a large catalog while still adding new work for the stage.
Who Is Building The Dolly Parton Musical?
Dolly Parton is credited with music and lyrics and co-writing the book with Maria S. Schlatter, a two-time Emmy Award winner. Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award winner, is directing the Broadway production.
The music team includes Stephen Oremus as music supervisor, Charity Wicks as music director, John Clancy on orchestrations, and Kent Wells as musical consultant. Richard Dennison and Gregg Perry are credited with vocal arrangements and music arrangements.
The Creative Team
The creative team includes Mandy Moore for choreography, Derek McLane for scenic design, Jennifer Moeller for costume design, Donald Holder for lighting design, Peter Hylenski for sound design, Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom for video design, Robert Pickens for hair design, Studio Pickens for makeup design, Michael J. Passaro as production stage manager, and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner as casting directors.
The producers include Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin. 101 Productions, Ltd. is listed as general manager.
Broadway casting has not yet been announced. The production has said casting, additional creative team members, and other details will be shared at a later date.
How Did The Nashville Run Shape The Broadway Move?
DOLLY: A True Original Musical had its world premiere in Nashville, Tennessee, before the Broadway announcement. The staging took place at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University.
The official announcement described the Nashville engagement as the most successful production in the history of the Fisher Center. That statement gives the Broadway move a documented pre-New York step rather than presenting the St. James Theatre run as the show’s first public staging.
The Nashville connection is also notable because Parton was born in East Tennessee and has long tied her public identity to her upbringing in the Smoky Mountains. The Broadway version now brings that story from Tennessee to Midtown Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Dolly Parton musical open on Broadway?
DOLLY: A True Original Musical begins preview performances on Dec. 7, 2026. The official Broadway opening is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027.
Where will DOLLY: A True Original Musical play?
The musical will play at the St. James Theatre in New York City. The theater is located at 246 West 44th Street.
What songs are in the Dolly Parton musical?
The production includes “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” It also includes new songs written by Parton for the musical.
Has Broadway casting been announced?
Broadway casting has not yet been announced. The production has said casting and additional details will be released later.
Is DOLLY: A True Original Musical appropriate for children?
The official show information notes that the musical may be inappropriate for ages 8 and under. Families should review current show guidance before purchasing tickets.
