Dolly Parton's Broadway musical will open as she wished
Dolly Parton's musical will still open on Broadway as she wished, producers confirmed to Variety after the country icon's death on Tuesday. Previews for Dolly: A True Original Musical begin December 7 at the St. James Theatre, with opening night set for January 19, 2027—what would have been her 81st birthday.
The announcement keeps one of Parton's final passion projects on track. The show tells the life story of the country-pop superstar who rarely shared her full personal narrative in public until this stage production.
Key Takeaways
- Producers confirmed the Broadway run proceeds "as was Dolly's wish" following her death on Tuesday.
- Previews start December 7, 2026, at the St. James Theatre; opening night is January 19, 2027.
- The musical premiered in Nashville in summer 2025 as Dolly: An Original Musical.
- Most of the Nashville creative team, including director Bartlett Sher, returns for New York.
- Music comes from Parton's catalog, with new songs added alongside familiar hits.
When will Dolly Parton's Broadway musical open?
According to a statement shared with Variety, previews begin December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City. The official opening is scheduled for January 19, 2027—the date that would have marked Parton's 81st birthday.
That timeline follows the show's world premiere in Nashville during the summer of 2025, when it debuted under the title Dolly: An Original Musical. Broadway producers are keeping the project moving forward rather than postponing it.
Who is bringing the show from Nashville to Broadway?
Much of the Nashville team is returning intact. Tony winner Bartlett Sher directs, with choreography by Mandy Moore continuing from the earlier run.
The book was written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. The score features Parton's music, blending new compositions with well-known songs from her catalog.
Producers include Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions. For more entertainment updates, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
What did Dolly Parton say about the Broadway project?
When the Broadway news was first announced, Parton framed the show as the story of her life. "My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can't wait to present it to you on Broadway," she said.
She added that the production had "a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show."
Why does the Broadway run matter now?
Director Bartlett Sher said audiences in Nashville showed a deep connection to Parton. "You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy," he noted when the project was announced.
Sher added that Parton had "never really shared her story before" in full. "This musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words," he said. "As we prepare to come to Broadway, we're thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story."
With previews set for late 2026, the Broadway opening will serve as a major tribute to one of country music's most enduring stars.