Dolly Parton’s new Broadway musical will open this year as planned: ‘As was Dolly’s wish’

The new musical Dolly Parton was working on up until her death Tuesday at 80, the story of her life, will arrive on Broadway this season as planned, the production said.

“As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of “Dolly: A True Original Musical” will begin previews Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City,” a spokesman said in a statement to Page Six.

Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027, which would’ve been the “I Will Always Love You” singer’s 81st birthday.

The musical, which stars three actresses as Parton at different points in her life, features many of her hits such as “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “Islands in the Stream,” as well as some new songs by Parton.

Its producer, Adam Speers of Ambassador Theatre Group, had been traveling monthly from London to Nashville to work with Parton on the show, which tried out in the Tennessee city in the summer of 2025.

Announcing the show in July, Parton said in a video, “This isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside. 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.”