Tumble Out of Bed and Onto Broadway: Dolly Parton’s Story Comes to Life
Published on Feb. 26, 2025, at 6:11 p.m.
by Ella Kate Baker.
If you’re anything like me, you probably lost your mind when Dolly Parton announced her new musical “Dolly: An Original Musical,” which is coming to Broadway in 2026. And if you’re really like me, you already snagged tickets to the Nashville premiere this summer.
Known for her legendary country music career, philanthropy and bubbly personality, Parton is once again proving she’s unstoppable. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to see a Broadway musical about Dolly Parton?
Parton first revealed the project on stage at the CMA Fest in Nashville, announcing she’s bringing a new musical inspired by her life and career to the stage. On Dec. 5, she announced the “Search For Dolly” — an open casting call for girls ranging in age from 10 and up to audition for the role of Dolly — on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Girls from all over the world posted their video auditions using #SearchForDolly, turning the casting process into a viral sensation. By making user-generated content a core part of the casting strategy, Parton and her team let the audience drive the buzz. Fans became a part of the story, vocalizing their favorite audition, like Kelly O’Brien from the U.K. to Elyse Bell from New York. The auditions were being shared everywhere, and fans were doing all the work. Parton proved, yet again, that “this dumb blonde ain’t nobody’s fool.”
Since then, 15 finalists have been selected and invited to audition in person in New York City.
It’s only fitting that Parton has a musical dedicated to her life. Since her debut in 1967, she’s been loved by many. With her being around for so long, it’s quite remarkable that she’s stayed relevant. But as Parton once said, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” And she’s done just that.
Parton’s legacy extends far beyond music. As a tribute to her father and his inability to read, she founded Imagination Library in 1995, a program designed to encourage reading and ensure that every child has a book, regardless of their family’s income. What started as a local initiative in her home county has since grown into a global effort, mailing a book per month to more than 3 million children worldwide.
At almost 80 years old, Parton has yet to slow down. With continuous partnerships and collaborations, she has managed to resonate with every generation. This month alone, she teamed up with Sabrina Carpenter for the track “Please, Please, Please” on the album “Short n’ Sweet Deluxe.” In an Instagram post announcing the release, Carpenter commented, “short n’ sweet deluxe is now available for pre-order..[.] and yes that does say featuring Miss Dolly Parton.”
With every new project, Parton’s character remains the same. From collaborations to charities, she continues to shape culture while staying true to herself. So if anyone is deserving of a Broadway musical, it’s the backwoods Barbie, Smoky Mountain songbird, diamond in a rhinestone world — Ms. Dolly Parton.
