The legendary Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80, has yet to see a major biopic of her life make it to the big screen; however, her journey is set to take the form of a Broadway musical. Titled “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” the production is anticipated to start previews at the St. James Theatre on December 7, 2023, with its official opening scheduled for January 19, 2024, coinciding with what would have been Parton’s 81st birthday.
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Throughout her illustrious career, Parton had expressed her interest in bringing her life story to film and shared her thoughts on various actresses she believed could portray her. In a memorable 1980 interview promoting the film “9 to 5,” Parton jokingly suggested Sissy Spacek might be suitable for the role. “Maybe if Sissy Spacek made enough money off playing Loretta Lynn, she could get herself a boob job,” she quipped, displaying her characteristic sense of humour. Parton went on to say that she wanted to create a musical titled “Wild Flowers,” focusing on themes of sex, violence, religion, and other engaging narratives from her life.
As the years rolled by, the country music icon continued to entertain the idea of a film adaptation. In a 2019 interview with Elle, she suggested that both Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson could be contenders for portraying her, depending on when the project would materialise. More recently, in early 2023, she indicated that her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, would be an excellent fit to take on the role. With a laugh, Parton remarked, “Miley would have the voice,” while adding that she might need to adjust her weight and appearance for the part.
Dolly Parton’s aspirations for a big-screen depiction of her life were further highlighted during a 2022 interview on the YouTube series Mr. Nashville Talks. Here, she not only reiterated her desire for a biopic but also mentioned an ongoing project for a Broadway musical based on her story. “I do intend someday to be on Broadway,” she noted, indicating her ambition to craft a captivating narrative that would resonate with audiences. She highlighted the necessity of casting three different actresses to play her at various stages in life, including a younger version, a middle-aged portrayal, and hopefully culminating in her playing the older version of herself.
The anticipation surrounding “Dolly: A True Original Musical” marks a significant moment for fans of Parton, who have long awaited a comprehensive celebration of her remarkable life and achievements. The musical recently premiered in Nashville, showcasing Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb in the roles that outline different periods of Parton’s life.
In a different approach to telling her life story, NBC aired a television film titled “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” in 2015. The film, featuring Alvia Alyn Lind as the young Dolly, took viewers on a journey through her formative years in Tennessee, and was followed by a sequel, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love,” which aired the following year. Both projects offered insights into the background that shaped the beloved artist we know today.
With no further casting announcements yet revealed for the Broadway production, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the musical’s portrayal of Parton’s life. Given her lasting influence on music and entertainment, it is likely that “Dolly: A True Original Musical” will honour her legacy while captivating audiences with the story of one of country music’s most cherished figures.
As Dolly Parton’s life continues to inspire generations, the upcoming musical represents not only her artistic contributions but also the opportunity to reflect on the profound messages woven throughout her music. Anticipation builds as Broadway prepares to deliver a celebration of Parton’s extraordinary life, weaving together nostalgia, humour, and the indomitable spirit that defined her legendary career.