Even if you may believe you know everything there is to know about Dolly Parton, the American sweetheart, she is certain that fans still have a lot to learn.

In fact, she is checking something off her bucket list at the age of 79.

In the summer of 2025, Dolly: An Original Musical will have its Broadway debut in New York City after making its debut in Parton’s cherished hometown of Nashville.

Parton spoke extensively to the media during a press conference on the process of turning her life into a musical as well as what fans can anticipate in the future.

What made Dolly say yes to putting her life story on stage?

Dolly Parton: I’m telling my husband that I’m not growing older. Many of my plastic surgeons are no longer with me.

My life narrative has always been the subject of a musical, and I always wanted to see it completed while I was still living so that I could supervise and ensure it was done correctly.

What songs can fans expect to hear?

I’ve lived a rustic life. I have a reputation for being a country girl and leading a rustic lifestyle. The new song I wrote [for the musical] naturally has that character because I have changed the lives of so many people by sharing their tales.

I was trying to figure out how I might be more “Broadway.” In order to maintain the country vibe, there are new songs that are truly tailored to what I imagined Broadway would be like.

Why debut the musical in Nashville?

I’m really proud of Tennessee. Anything pertaining to Nashville, Tennessee in particular… Belmont has my utmost admiration. I am really proud of the excitement and the young people [at the institution].

Does Dolly have a favorite song selected?

The theme tune is similar to a new song, which is my favorite song. “I Wouldn’t Be Here, If You Hadn’t Been There” is the title.

In addition to discussing everyone in my life, it also makes mention to God. That is essentially how the episode ends; it’s a recurring motif. I was really motivated to write.

There was a nationwide search for “Dolly,” to play you. How has the process been?

Many individuals are expected to attend; auditions are still open. Some of the things we have received are unbelievable. We sincerely want to locate the ideal individuals. We are grateful to everyone who applied for a position.

I wouldn’t want to go through that difficult work again! Thousands and thousands of people showed up.

How many Dollys will it take to play you?

Three Dollys will appear throughout the story, according to the director: a younger, middle-aged, and elder Dolly. The adult Dolly will narrate the majority of the story.

Dolly Parton: I’ve had a lot of lives. I began off young, and look at me now! We couldn’t possibly have just one Dolly. We have to split it up because there are so many tunes. I wish there were three of me in the actual world!

What has been the process of creating the costumes from your iconic career wardrobe?

Since I’ve worn a lot of different things over the course of my career, there was actually a lot of talk about it. We really engaged Steve Summers, a fantastic costume designer who has been working on several of my outfits for a number of years.

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August 8 marks the premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical. Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts will begin showing previews on July 18. Find out more about selling tickets here.

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