Dolly Parton’s Musical Will Still Open on Broadway ‘As Was Dolly’s Wish’

The Broadway adaptation of Dolly: A True Original Musical is moving forward as planned, delivering on a promise made by the late country icon. Following Dolly Parton's passing on Tuesday, the production team confirmed to Variety that preview performances will commence on December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, with the official opening night slated for January 19, 2027—a date that would have marked her 81st birthday. This carefully chosen timeline reflects the deeply personal significance of the project, which Parton had long championed as the definitive account of her remarkable journey.

The musical traces Parton's path from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to her emergence as a worldwide cultural force. It first premiered in Nashville during the summer of 2025 under the title Dolly: An Original Musical, and for its Broadway transfer, the principal creative team remains largely unchanged. Parton herself composed the score, blending fresh compositions with cherished favorites from her extensive catalog, and co-wrote the book alongside Maria S. Schlatter. Directing duties fall to Bartlett Sher, the Tony Award-winning director known for his acclaimed revivals of South Pacific and The King and I, while Emmy-nominated choreographer Mandy Moore—whose film work includes La La Land—returns to shape the production's movement. The St. James Theatre, a historic venue that has hosted Broadway productions since 1927, offers a suitably majestic setting for such an expansive life story.

Producing partners include Parton's own company, along with Danny Nozell, Adam Speers of ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions. In a statement released alongside the announcement, Parton's characteristic humor came through vividly: "My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can't wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I've enjoyed livin' it." She also expressed confidence in the team, adding, "We have a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show. Can't wait to see you there!" Notably, Parton—whose six-decade career produced timeless classics like "Jolene" and "9 to 5"—had repeatedly described this musical as a passion project, one intended to highlight the resilience and storytelling that defined both her public and private life.

Sher, reflecting on the transition from Nashville to New York, underscored the show's revelatory quality. "During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly. You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy," he remarked. "But despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before. She's offered glimpses and peeks, but this musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we're thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story." Industry observers point out that Parton's narrative—shaped by poverty, relentless ambition, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity—strikes a particularly resonant chord in today's cultural landscape, where audiences increasingly seek genuine human connection. With ticket demand expected to be substantial, the production is positioned not merely to honor Parton's legacy but also to introduce her extraordinary life to theatergoers who may have encountered her only through radio hits or film appearances.