Dolly Parton Premieres DOLLY: A True Original Musical in Nashville
Nashville turned out in full sparkle on Friday, August 8, 2025, as Dolly Parton walked the pink carpet for the premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. The event marked a milestone for the production, which is running in Music City before its highly anticipated Broadway debut in 2026.
“I’ve lived my whole life to see this show on stage,” Parton shared. “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.”
Parton dazzled in a rhinestone-and-pearl-embellished pink gown and reflected on the show’s most personal moments. “Anything to do with Carl, my husband, who I loved more than life … seeing John Behlmann play Carl Dean is both a joy and a sadness. I cry, and I laugh—that’s a real high point for me.”
A Star-Studded Evening
The celebration began in the venue’s Paisley Ballroom, where friends, family, and country music stars gathered. The guest list included Zac Brown with fiancée Kendra Scott, Nikki Sixx and wife Courtney, FOR KING & COUNTRY, songwriter Desmond Child, comedian Danae Hays, Opry legend Bill Anderson, and many more.
The cast and creative team also walked the carpet, including director Bartlett Sher, producer Maria S. Schlatter, and the actresses portraying Parton through different life stages: Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke, and Quinn Titcomb. Co-stars John Zdrojeski (Porter Wagoner), John Behlmann (Carl Dean), and Tabitha Lawing (Little Judy Ogle) were also in attendance.
Sher praised Parton’s artistry, calling her “one of the greatest artists working in America, using music to bring people together and change the world.” Schlatter added, “Dolly works so hard to achieve things so she can give back to others. That purpose is what gives true happiness, and she’s the most beautiful example of it.”
Parton herself expressed gratitude for the team: “Working with Maria and Bart has been one of the great joys. They’re not just great artists, they’re great people. We’ve made friends for life.”
Behind the Curtain
Actress Carrie St. Louis described working with Parton as “a gift,” noting that the star attended rehearsals daily. One of her most cherished memories came while singing “Coat of Many Colors” in rehearsal. “I was so nervous, and when we got to the chorus, Dolly started harmonizing with me across the room. Everyone cried, and afterward she hugged me and told me how beautiful it was. I thought, wow, I can do anything now—I’ve sung in front of Dolly Parton.”
Several of Parton’s family members were also in attendance, including Heidi Parton, Jada Star Roberts, and Rebecca Seaver.
The Show
Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher and written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, DOLLY: A True Original Musical traces her life story from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to global stardom. Featuring hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the show also includes new songs written specifically for the production.
Described as a “rags to rhinestones” journey, the musical blends comedy, heart, and resilience—capturing the essence of Parton’s life and career.
Fans can experience the show in Nashville through August 31, 2025, before its Broadway run launches in 2026.
