Dolly Parton arrives for the red carpet during the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11, 2023, at the Star in Frisco, Texas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)
Karu F. Daniels | New York Daily News
NEW YORK — Dolly Parton is giving Broadway another go.
The 78-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer announced Thursday from the stage of CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee, that a biographical musical, titled “Hello, I’m Dolly,” is in the works for 2026.
The forthcoming production is titled after her first studio album, which was released in 1967.
According to a rep, “Hello, I’m Dolly” will feature a score crafted by the country music icon, and include notable hits as well as new songs written specifically for the show.
The script will be written by Parton and Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter, who previously worked on the 2020 TV movie “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.”
“I lived my whole life to see this show on stage,” Parton said about the new project. “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll clap, you’ll stomp, it truly is a Grand Ol’ Opera. Pun and fun intended. Don’t miss it!”
Adam Speers of ATG Productions is working with Parton to bring her trailblazing life story to the stage.
Speers said he first collaborated with the 11-time Grammy winner in 2019 on developing a new version of her “9 to 5” musical for London’s West End.
“I had always heard she wanted to do a musical based on her life, so when she asked if I would be interested in producing it, I was bowled over,” Speers said. “As the world knows, Dolly is a magical blend of talent, hard work, intelligence, charm, wit, and a gigantically big heart. I’m thrilled we’re going to bring her inspiring story to Broadway.”
Additional members of the creative team and casting for “Hello, I’m Dolly” will be announced at a later date.
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