Fans of Dolly Parton can now see the Grammy-winning country singer’s life play out on the theatrical stage.
“Dolly: A True Original Musical” opened last week at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville.
Performances take audiences “on a journey through the life of this rhinestone in the rough, from her barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood,” according to a synopsis.
“This joyful and moving new musical will take you inside the literal rags-to-rhinestones story of Dolly Parton and give you new insight into her triumphs, trials, and trailblazing,” it says.
The production stars Broadway mainstays Katie Rose Clarke, 40, and Carrie St. Louis, 35, and Broadway National Tour performer Quinn Titcomb, 13, who all play Parton at different stages of her life.
“I am so honored and humbled that I get the opportunity to tell Dolly’s amazing life story alongside these two incredibly talented and gorgeous superstars. ... I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now!”
During an Aug. 12 interview with iHeartCountry, St. Louis described the role as an “honor of a lifetime.”
“I’ve really seen this show go through so many different phases, and I’ve gotten to hear so intimately all of these stories from Dolly that a lot of people don’t get to hear or get to know,” the actress said.
“And the musical is showing a side of her life that I don’t think people have really seen before. It’s a little bit deeper; it’s a little bit more intimate, and it’s just really cool to be able to breathe life into that for the first time and bring that to audiences. ... It’s so thrilling and so fun.”
Parton, who released her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” in 1967, contributed original music to the biographical musical, directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher.
Some of the singer’s most enduring country hits are also featured in the production, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5.”
“I’ve lived my whole life to see this show on stage,” Parton, 79, said in a statement. “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.”
“Dolly: A True Original Musical” runs through Aug. 31. The production will then head to New York City, where it will debut on Broadway in 2026.
