Dolly Parton makes surprise career announcement after delivering ‘bad’ health update

Dolly Parton announced she’s heading to Broadway for her production, “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” after giving a “bad” health update.

“Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” the country singer, who won’t be performing in the show, said via an Instagram video Tuesday.

“It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way.”

Parton, 80, shared that the musical will be told in her “own words and through the music that’s been part of [her] every step of the journey.”

The “9 to 5” songstress teased that she’s writing up new hits for the production and that some of her beloved tracks will also be performed.

“This really is a dream come true,” she added. “I can’t wait to share it with all of you.”

Parton’s highly anticipated show, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, kicks off in New York City with previews this December and opens on Jan. 19, 2027, which is her birthday. Pre-sale ticket access starts on Wednesday.

According to the musical’s website, the production will feature the hitmaker’s greatest hits, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5” and “Coat of Many Colors.”

The musical first debuted in Nashville last year, and has since undergone changes.

Parton’s recent career move comes a few months after she announced the cancellation of “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency due to ongoing health issues after initially postponing the six shows last year.

“I have some good news and a little bad news,” she said in a social media video in May. “The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day.”

The “Here You Come Again” singer  explained that the “bad news” was that “it’s gonna take a little while” until she is “up to stage performance level.”

Parton went public with her health woes in September 2025 when she pulled out of an appearance at Dollyworld due to kidney stones.

The Grammy winner’s husband, Carl Dean, had also died that March at the age of 82.

At the time, she took a brief break from music to mourn her partner of nearly 60 years.