The renowned country star Dolly Parton is preparing for a new bio-musical to hit the Main Steam, “Dolly: An Original Musical.” Ahead of its Broadway run, the show will now hold a world premiere in Nashville.
The production, formerly titled “Hello, I’m Dolly” and then “Dolly: An Original Musical” previously announced its Broadway staging in 2026. Now, the show will make a pre-Broadway premiere at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, with previews beginning on July 18. It will officially open on August 8 and run through August 17.
Parton herself broke the news at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville.
“I am Tennessee born and raised, and Nashville has been my musical home for over 60 years,” she said. “So, this is the right and perfect place to present the world premiere of my life story as a musical. Right here in Nashville, at the beautiful Belmont University’s Fisher Center.”
Directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher, the musical will feature Parton’s existing songs along with some new tunes she collaborates on with Maria S. Schlatter.
“Actually, we’ve got some bigger songs that are really tailor-made to what I thought how Broadway would be, but still keeping that country flavor. We use a lot of the country instruments — fiddle, steel, mandolin… and I think they’ll appreciate me taking Nashville to New York with all those country sounds,” Parton said regarding the new songs created for the musical. “And when I had a chance to do something bigger and broader where I thought, ‘Oh, I’m gonna get to have an orchestra — that’s gonna be great if I can have strings on this and that,’ it was exciting and fun for me to write the new stuff.”
This is the first time Nashville will host a Broadway-bound production. Additionally, Parton, “Dolly: An Original Musical”, CTK Enterprises, and Belmont University announced the launch of the Dolly U, an educational experience that allows students opportunities to participate in the production, working alongside the creative team throughout the making process of the show at the Fisher Center this summer.
In December, Parton opened casting call for the “Dolly: An Original Musical,” noting that they were looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of her journey. Those interested in the open casting call were encouraged to upload a one-minute video to social media featuring them singing their favorite Parton song with the hashtag #SearchForDolly to be considered for selection. The call is now closed. The few selected performers will audition for the show’s casting director.
The production of the show belongs to Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner serve as casting directors, and 101 Productions, Ltd. is the general manager for the musical.
Fans can check out the musical’s official website for tickets.
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