Dolly Parton’s handpicked cast for “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” has been announced ahead of the musical’s Broadway debut this winter. The five principal performers were selected by Parton before her death in August at age 80, and will bring her life story to the stage in the new musical.
Moving forward as planned following Parton’s recent passing, the production serves as a final passion project honoring the country legend’s legacy, following the musical’s successful world premiere in Nashville. “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” begins preview performances Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, with opening night scheduled for January 19, 2027 – which coincides with what would have been the Parton’s 81st birthday.
Katie Rose Clarke will reprise her role as Dolly Parton after starring in the musical’s 2025 world premiere in Nashville. Carrie St. Louis, who participated in early readings of the production, will portray Dolly during her rise as a young singer-songwriter in Nashville, while 11-year-old Norah Nunes will play Little Dolly (Nunes was among the finalists in the production’s online “Search for Dolly” casting call.)
John Behlmann will play Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, while Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert will portray Porter Wagoner, the country star and longtime musical collaborator who helped introduce Parton to a national television audience. Behlmann and Ebert also appeared in the Nashville production.
The musical, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher and written by Parton and Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter, traces Parton’s journey from her childhood in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains to international fame. It features songs including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5,” along with new music written by Parton specifically for the production. The creative team also includes music supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Mandy Moore and scenic design by Derek McLane.
Prior to her death, Parton said the production has been years in the making, and that it will reflect her life’s journey through music and storytelling. Parton said at the time that “the rhinestones were never the whole story,” adding that the musical is “told in my own words and through the songs that shaped my life. My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really, and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”
In a tribute to Parton’s longstanding commitment to children, the production also plans to provide 30,000 free tickets to New York City public school middle and high school students during its first Broadway year.
For tickets and other details, head to DollyMusical.com.
Editorial credit: Adam Shanker / Shutterstock.com
