Dolly Parton’s legacy is set to shine once more on Broadway with the highly anticipated musical, ‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’. Scheduled to debut on January 19, 2027, on what would have been the late singer-songwriter’s 81st birthday, the production has already garnered significant attention in the industry. Starring Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Norah Nunes, the musical promises to encapsulate the remarkable journey of one of country music’s most iconic figures.
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The artistic team behind the production has expressed their gratitude for working closely with Parton prior to her passing in August 2023. At a recent event hosted by Variety, director Bartlett Sher, producer Adam Speers, and the three leading actresses shared their memories of collaborating with the country legend. Speers recounted an encouraging message from Parton shortly before her death, stating, “You’ve got to keep going! This is the show that I want to be on Broadway!”
Carrie St. Louis noted Parton’s remarkable dedication, describing her as the first to arrive and the last to leave during rehearsals. “She was very, very involved,” said St. Louis, who portrays the singer at a pivotal point in her life. Despite her busy schedule and countless commitments, Parton made it a priority to engage with the cast. St. Louis remembered how Parton would often interact with actors, sharing personal connections and even joining in on impromptu jam sessions.
Director Sher highlighted Parton’s prolific songwriting, noting that she penned over 10,000 songs throughout her illustrious career. He revealed that she maintained a daily writing routine, composing new material every morning as part of her personal prayer rituals. One of the new songs included in the musical is titled “Mountain Girl,” further cementing Parton’s creative legacy.
Katie Rose Clarke reflected on the unique experience of working with Parton, stating that the singer opened up during the development process, sharing vulnerabilities and heartfelt stories. Clarke chuckled at a memorable rehearsal moment when she accidentally flubbed the lyrics to “Jolene”. Parton’s supportive nature shone through as she reassured Clarke, stating, “That’s okay, you’re doin’ great!”
The musical aims to provide audiences with a glimpse into both the public and private lives of Parton, showcasing aspects of her relationships that rarely receive the public spotlight. St. Louis noted, “What I think is really beautiful about our show is that you’re able to see the more private moments that the public maybe doesn’t know about.” This aims to humanise the superstar, revealing intimate details about her life, including her long-standing marriage to Carl Dean.
The production team, including Speers and Maria S. Schlatter, who co-wrote the book with Parton, frequently visited the late artist in Nashville. Speers recounted their last conversation with her, which occurred just over a week before she passed, affirming her desire for the show to move forward on Broadway. “She was very open with us both: ‘You’ve got to keep going! This is the show that I want to be on Broadway!’” he said.
Despite Parton’s passing, producers are committed to honouring her legacy through this musical journey. Following her death, it was confirmed that ‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’ would continue as planned. It will begin previews on December 7, 2026, giving audiences a chance to witness the production evolve before its grand opening in January.
In anticipation of its Broadway debut, the team behind ‘DOLLY’ remains unwavering in their dedication to bringing Parton’s story to life. The production promises to be not just a tribute to a musical icon but also an intimate exploration of her incredible journey from humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to global fame. As the date for the premiere approaches, there is palpable excitement surrounding this unique project, which seeks to celebrate the rich tapestry of Dolly Parton’s life while capturing her enduring spirit.