Dolly Parton musical to open on Broadway in time for her 81st birthday

Published on 08/07/2026 - 8:31 GMT+2

Country music icon Dolly Parton will celebrate her next birthday early but in style, with the opening of a musical about her life and six-decade career.

While Parton turns 81 on 19 January 2027, previews for the Broadway musical Dolly: A True Original Musical will debut on 7 December at New York’s St James Theatre, before opening on the singer’s birthday next year.

The show, billed as “a remarkable journey through the life of this trailblazing woman” and featuring some of her biggest hits, was announced in a video featuring Parton.

“This isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” the singer said. “It’s about where I really come from: where 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 and through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.”

Parton described the show coming to New York as “a dream come true”.

“My whole life has been a musical,” Parton said in the press release. “A grand ole opera really! 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!”

No news on whether European audiences will get the chance to see the show - which had its world premiere in Parton’s hometown of Nashville last summer - but hope springs eternal.

This year, Parton cancelled her forthcoming Las Vegas residency over health issues and was voted the most popular public figure in the US according to a recent survey.

In March, she made her first public appearance in months at Dollywood, following the death of her husband Carl Dean, who she was married to for 58 years.

“I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically,” she shared at the time. “But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”