The one-and-only Dolly Parton, country music's eternal flame, has now set her sights on Broadway with a new musical titled "Hello, I'm Dolly." Slated to debut in 2026, this production promises to be an intimate look into the life of the icon herself. With her personal touch, Parton announced during CMA Fest on Tuesday that she’s been hard at work on the musical, which will feature her writing music and lyrics, as reported by USA TODAY.
"Hello, I'm Dolly, and I lived my whole life to see this show on stage," Parton was quoted as saying in a release Thursday. "I've written many original songs for the show, and included all your favorites in it as well. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll clap, you'll stomp, it truly is a Grand Ol' Opera. Pun, and fun intended. Don't miss it!" said Parton according to WVLT. Pulling from her first studio album's title, the show is emblematic of Parton's storied career that spans over seven decades.
On top of this, Parton has been shattering records left and right. Just last year, her album "Rockstar" launched to phenomenal success, securing a place as her highest debuting album and achieving not one, but six No. 1 positions on Billboard charts. This rock record came hot on the heels of her 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, signifying yet another peak in her illustrious journey, notes USA TODAY.
While she may be a megastar, Parton is not one to forget her roots. The production, to be brought to reality in collaboration with ATG Productions and producer Adam Speers, reflects Dolly's grounded sensibility and her unique blend of charm, wit, and talent. Speers expresses his enthusiasm to WVLT, stating, "As the world knows, Dolly is a magical blend of talent, hard work intelligence, charm, wit, and a gigantically big heart. I’m thrilled we’re going to bring her inspiring story to Broadway." Speers' confidence seems well placed, considering Parton's sustained resonance with her audience as evidenced by her ten Guinness World Records for her musical achievements, as reported by CBS News.
To round out her busy schedule, the Queen of Country isn't just limiting herself to the stage – she's also taking on the hospitality industry with plans to open a hotel in the heart of Nashville, a development announced at Fan Fair X. It seems there's no slowing down for the indefatigable Parton, who, at 78, continues to expand her empire and welcome us into her dazzling world, one rhinestone at a time.
