Dolly Parton surprised fans by revealing she is heading to Broadway with a new production titled “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” even as she continues to face health challenges, as reported by Page Six.

The country icon made the announcement in a video shared Tuesday on Instagram, where she spoke candidly about the project and her recent health updates.

“Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” she said in the clip, explaining that the show is more personal in nature and will explore her life from a deeper perspective.

Dolly Parton Makes Major Announcement: 'It's about where I really come from, what I've lived, what I've lost, what I've loved' https://t.co/r47YVLkVql

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 7, 2026

“It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way,” she continued, describing the show’s emotional focus.

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Parton, 80, confirmed she will not be performing in the musical but said it will tell her story “in her own words and through the music that’s been part of [her] every step of the journey.”

She also teased that the production will include brand new music she is composing specifically for the Broadway debut, alongside some of her biggest hits.

“This really is a dream come true,” the “9 to 5” singer said. “I can’t wait to share it with all of you.”

 

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A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

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According to her announcement, previews for the show will begin in New York City this December, with opening night set for January 19, 2027, which coincides with Parton’s birthday.

Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher is leading the production.

Fans can expect classic songs such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colors” to be featured, as confirmed by the musical’s official website.

“Dolly: A True Original Musical” originally debuted in Nashville last year and has undergone changes ahead of its Broadway run.

The announcement followed a separate update on Parton’s health, which she described earlier this year as containing both “good news and a little bad news.”

In a May social media video, she shared that although her treatments had been working well, she still needed time to recover before returning to live performances.

“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,” she said. “The bad news is it’s gonna take a little while until I’m up to stage performance level.”

Parton had previously postponed and later canceled her “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency due to ongoing health issues, after first delaying the shows last year.

She publicly disclosed her health problems in September 2025 when she was forced to cancel an appearance at Dollyworld because of kidney stones.

Her life also saw personal loss during that period, as her husband Carl Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82. They had been married for nearly 60 years, and following his death, she stepped back from music to privately grieve.

JUST IN: Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, has passed away at the age of 82 after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Parton met Dean the day she moved to Nashville at 18 years old. "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for… pic.twitter.com/6kNWJxDnSR — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 4, 2025

The Broadway project now marks Parton’s first major creative venture since that time, symbolizing both a career milestone and a heartfelt reflection on her life’s journey.

Despite recent hardships, fans have continued to celebrate her resilience and authenticity, with many calling her an American icon and praising her ability to remain positive while pursuing new artistic dreams.

With Broadway lights awaiting her latest creation, Parton’s focus on storytelling through song proves that her passion for music endures, even as she recovers.

For audiences and admirers alike, “Dolly: A True Original Musical” promises to be both a tribute to her legacy and a testament to her enduring spirit.

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