Dolly Parton’s final wish for her Broadway musical was clear: “Keep going!”
Just ten days before her passing on August 25, the country music icon conveyed an inspiring message to the creative team behind Dolly: A True Original Musical during a pivotal meeting in New York City. Her enduring spirit and commitment to the production, which chronicles her life, has left an indelible mark as it prepares to debut.
Dolly Parton’s Encouragement to the Creative Team
During Variety‘s Business of Broadway event, lead producer Adam Speers shared insights from Parton’s last interaction with him and director Bartlett Sher. According to Speers, Parton expressed her enthusiasm, urging them to push forward with the project, stating, “This is the show that I want to be on Broadway!”
Parton was deeply engaged in the theatrical adaptation, which depicts her journey across three distinct phases of her life. Carrie St. Louis, one of the actresses portraying Parton, noted her involvement, emphasizing that the singer was frequently the first to arrive and the last to leave the rehearsal space. Parton actively connected with the cast, often joining them for impromptu musical sessions.
She was the first person in the building in the morning and the last person to leave. Even during breaks, Parton would make a point of speaking with the actors one-on-one. If someone was playing guitar, she’d join in and start singing.
The musical is set to begin performances on December 7, with its official opening scheduled for January 19, coinciding with Parton’s birthday.
A New Song for the Stage
In addition to her encouraging words, Parton contributed creatively by writing a new song titled “Mountain Girl” specifically for the show. Director Sher revealed that Parton’s prolific songwriting has been a significant part of her life, mentioning that she composed songs each morning as part of her prayer routine. “She wrote a song every morning when she prayed,” he stated.
The Broadway production unfolds through the portrayal of different chapters of Parton’s life, featuring St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke, and Norah Nunes at various ages. Other notable cast members include Gabriel Ebert as her early collaborator Porter Wagoner and John Behlmann as her late husband, Carl Dean.
Although the musical will progress without her physical presence, Parton’s final message resonates strongly, reminding everyone involved of the resilience and determination that defined her extraordinary career.
Meet the Cast of Dolly Parton’s Broadway Musical
The story of Dolly Parton’s incredible life is headed to Broadway! Her show DOLLY: A True Original Musical is set to begin previews on Dec. 7, 2026, before officially opening on what would have been Parton’s 81st birthday, Jan. 19, 2027.
Here’s the cast that will be bringing her story to the stage at the St. James Theatre.
Gallery Credit: Jess Rose