Dolly Parton's Broadway musical, "Dolly: A True Original Musical," is set to begin previews on December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, producers announced. The official opening is scheduled for January 19, which would have been the iconic country singer's 81st birthday. This follows a successful run of the show in Nashville last summer.
Parton, who passed away at age 80 at her Tennessee home on Tuesday, wrote the music and book for the musical, which chronicles her life from her early days in the Smoky Mountains to her rise to stardom. She also served as a producer on the show, which is helmed by Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher and choreographed by Mandy Moore.
"This really is a dream come true...and I can't wait to share it with all of you!" Parton said in a video last month, describing the musical as a journey through her life, exploring "where I really come from, what I've lived, what I've lost, what I've loved and how I've found my way and told it in my own words and through the music that's been part of me every step of the journey."
The musical features some of Parton's well-known hits alongside new songs written specifically for the production. The show aims to take audiences through Parton's life, from her "barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood."
While the Nashville production featured Katie Rose Clarke, Quinn Titcomb, and Carrie St. Louis portraying Parton at different ages, the Broadway cast has not yet been announced. Producers have noted that the show may not be suitable for children under eight.
Parton was nearing EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status, having previously received a Tony Award nomination for composing the music for "9 to 5: The Musical" in 2009. Her song "With Bells On" was also featured in the 1993 Broadway musical "Candles, Snow & Mistletoe."
In May, Parton had revealed that she was undergoing treatment for kidney stones and other health issues that had affected her immune and digestive systems. She had canceled her Las Vegas residency, "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas," to focus on her recovery. At the time, she expressed optimism about her progress, stating she was responding well to treatments, though some medications caused dizziness. She emphasized her commitment to her signature style, including high heels.
Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her passing on social media, remembering her as someone who "opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers." A small, private funeral service was held for immediate family, with requests for donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
Throughout her career, Parton sold over 100 million records, broke 10 Guinness World Records, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.