After teasing the idea late last year, Dolly Parton has officially revealed that her new stage production, Dolly: An Original Musical, will premiere on July 18 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center. The show will run through August 17, bringing her extraordinary life story to the stage—from growing up in a small Tennessee cabin with 11 siblings to becoming one of country music’s most beloved legends.
During the special announcement, held at the same university that helped shape stars like Brad Paisley and Trisha Yearwood, Parton shared a glimpse into the casting process with her signature humor. “You wouldn’t believe the talent we’ve seen,” she joked. “We’ve got drag queens, all kinds of people playing Dolly.” She added that while the search continues, the response has been overwhelming, with thousands auditioning for the challenging role.
Parton also explained why now felt like the right time to bring her life story to the stage. With a wink, she quipped, “I ain’t getting no younger—but I ain’t getting no older either,” before adding another laugh line: “I’ve outlived so many plastic surgeons.” Behind the humor, however, was a heartfelt reason—she wants to oversee the musical herself, ensuring it’s told the way she’s always envisioned, rather than leaving it to others in the future.
As anticipation builds, the production is already being seen as a potential next big theatrical success for Parton, following the global acclaim of 9 to 5. And if her legacy is anything to go by, Dolly: An Original Musical won’t just tell her story—it will celebrate it in true Dolly fashion: bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable.