Dolly Parton is a legend with a backstory to match. Growing up with 11 siblings in a one-bedroom cabin in a tiny Smoky Mountains town, she moved to Nashville and proceeded to release 25 No. 1 country music hits. Showing no signs of slowing down at age 79, the “Jolene” songbird will bring her life story to the stage this summer in the form of Dolly: An Original Musical. But if you were hoping to sing along to all your favorite Dolly tunes, you may be sorely disappointed.
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Dolly Parton Launches Long-Awaited Original Musical
After years of teasing it in interviews, Dolly: An Original Musical has finally hit the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
The musical, which had its world premiere Friday (July 18), features all of Dolly Parton’s time-tested hits, along with some original tunes she wrote herself (of course.) However, the “Queen of Country” had a warning for those expecting a more immersive experience.
“Now, they told me to tell you… they have to turn off their cell phones,” Dolly said during a surprise onstage appearance ahead of the show. “And they said to turn off all the stuff, including you. They said every time you hear a song you know, that you’re going to want to sing along.”
“Well, don’t!” she admonished, authoritatively placing one hand on her hip. “This ain’t no hootenanny! This is a Broadway musical!”
Understandable, but how do you not sing along to Dolly? This sounds suspiciously like the start of a TikTok challenge.
[RELATED: All the Details About Dolly Parton’s Forthcoming Broadway Musical]
‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ Premieres Next Month
Following previews in Nashville, Dolly: An Original Musical officially opens Aug. 8. After a limited run of shows in Nashville, the production will head to New York City’s Broadway in 2026.
Directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher, Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb will all portray Dolly Parton during various stages of her life.
The project is finally coming to fruition after Dolly spent the last decade fine tuning her life story for the stage. “I waited for a while till I was this old so I could tell it so, so I could tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth — So, help me, Lord!” she told People.
Featured image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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