Dolly Parton is set to return to the spotlight with a new Broadway musical about her life, titled "DOLLY: A True Original Musical." The announcement follows a year of seclusion for the 80-year-old country music legend, during which she reportedly grappled with health issues and the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
The musical, which features music and lyrics by Parton herself, is scheduled to open on Broadway in January, coinciding with her 81st birthday. Previews will begin in December. Parton has been actively involved in the production, serving as a producer for the show, which is helmed by Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher.
Parton spent much of the past year at her 63-acre estate, known as Willow Lake Plantation, in Brentwood, Tennessee. The property, purchased in 1999 for $400,000, is now estimated to be worth $10 million. It features numerous personal touches, including a private church, large angel statues, and sound studios converted from luxury sheds. The estate also includes a gingerbread-themed playground for her nieces and nephews, reflecting her devotion to her extended family. High-end vehicles, including a pink golf cart and Jeep, are also visible on the property.
IMAGE11: Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, snapped up the property for $400,000 way back in 1999. It is now estimated to be worth $10 million
Earlier this year, Parton canceled a planned Las Vegas residency due to ill health, citing issues with her immune and digestive systems and the side effects of her medication, which made her feel "swimmy headed." At the time, she expressed optimism about her recovery, stating she was responding well to treatments and improving daily, but noted it would take time before she was ready for stage performances.
IMAGE3: Parton has only stepped out in public a handful of times as she battled a tumultuous and painful year that started with the death of her husband Carl Dean at the age of 82
"DOLLY: A True Original Musical" is described by Parton as a story not about outward glamour, but about her origins, experiences, losses, loves, and how she found her way through music.
Parton, who is one Tony Award away from achieving EGOT status, previously wrote the music and produced the show when it had a successful run in Nashville last summer. The Broadway production marks a significant step in her return to public life after her period of recovery and reflection.