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Dolly: A True Original Musical Opens In Nashville With Rhinestone Flair and a Heart as Big as the Smoky Mountains
Dolly Parton's nothing short of extraordinary career has earned another feather in her rhinestone adorned cap as a comprehensive play about her remarkable life made its debut on Friday, August 8, 2025 at The Fisher Center on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Fisher Center can add "Broadway incubator" to its list of credentials in 2025. Dolly: A True Original Musical - directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher - comes to life based on a story created by Dolly and Maria S. Schlatter - and features many new Doly penned songs as well as all of her classics that have climbed the charts through the years. Together, this creative team tells the definitive story of the woman known as the "Iron Butterfly" who is well into her seventh decade of success, selling over 100 million albums worldwide to achieve induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame while also being named Billboard’s #1 Country Artist of All Time. Clearly, Dolly has firmly cemented her place in music history. Now, we learn just how this "Backwoods Barbie" rose to become a Living Legend over two big acts under the bright glare of theatrical lights that are destined for Broadway once this tune-up in Music City is complete. From the opening number to the final curtain, the show radiates Dolly Parton's signature blend of grit, grace and glitter. The production cleverly weaves her life story through three distinct portrayals - childhood, young adulthood and stardom - each brought to life by powerhouse performances that avoid impersonation and instead channel Dolly's essence. The score, a mix of beloved classics and fresh originals, keeps the audience humming along while the choreography and costume design dazzle with unapologetic Southern charm. What makes this musical more than just a jukebox tribute is its emotional depth. It doesn't shy away from the complexities of Dolly's journey - her faith, ambition, heartbreak and resilience are all on display, wrapped in humor and warmth. The show's pacing is brisk despite its nearly three-hour runtime, and the audience's enthusiasm is palpable, with standing ovations and extended applause becoming the norm. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering Dolly's magic, Dolly: A True Original Musical feels like a love letter to the woman who turned a small-town dream into a global legacy.
Dolly Parton and the three leading ladies at The Fisher Center pink carpet gala. Dolly mania was on full display during the premiere as a a special pink-carpet affair was held to introduce VIPs and local media to what everyone has been working on for most of the previous year as development picked up steam on the campus of Belmont University. This event introduced the entire cast including the 3 Dollys (Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis and Quinn Titcomb). Also in attendance and available for interview and photo opps was the design team, producers, Dolly Parton and her Tony Award Winning Director Bartlett Sher. "I am Tennessee born and raised and Nashville has been my musical home for over 60 years. So, this is the right and perfect place to present the world premiere of my life story as a musical." Parton said to press in advance of the show's debut. "Right here in Nashville, at the beautiful Belmont University’s Fisher Center." This project is also a big boost for Belmont who is already well-known for its music curriculum. But, to be able to say that their facility, staff and students had an opportunity to be a part of a play that is heading to the bright lights of New York City is a big accomplishment and another way Parton is giving back to the Nashville community. As we listened to the various media outlets interact with the creatives it was clear how much love and respect people have for Dolly. So many saying that she was funny, kind, sharp and smart paired with accolades of her iconic styles, music, philanthropy and voice. We also heard that Parton has been at the rehearsals working with the team to rewrite and make changes to the production. It is our understanding that the musical has already been altered since the first night with the goal of making the show even better and Broadway ready.
Nikki Sixx, Desmond Child, Mason Ramsey, Bill Anderson, Michael W. Smith, a Dolly-themed cape and Zac Brown were just some of the stars seen on the pink carpet in Nashville. Seeing that some of her rock stars colleagues had turned out for the occasion, Team MCN had a quick opportunity to ask Parton if there would be another aptly named Rockstar record and it sounded like there is always a possibility. But, for now she is busy with Dolly: A True Original Musical plus all the other businesses that she oversees on a daily basis. All this proves is that the little girl born near the nation's most popular national park is a veritable force of nature. Dolly is still a dynamo and a national treasure herself! "I've lived my whole life to see this show on stage," said Parton summoning up her excitement surrounding her life story finally being brought to life in a big way. "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.” Making the night even all the more enjoyable in Nashville was the inclusion of "DOLLY! All Access" which was a room set up in one of the wings of The Fisher Center lobby that served as part museum quality exhibit and part high-end gift shop. Just like the show this special attraction was stacked with story and song featuring many artifacts from Dolly's long career including several cases of flowing dresses and many gold and platinum records that adorned the ballroom walls. Fans could obtain information on Dollywood, purchase items from her expanding food line and learn about all of her other endeavors such as her jewelry and makeup businesses. While walking through "DOLLY! All Access" there was a wall of butterfly-shaped post-it notes made out to Dolly to thank her for her philanthropic efforts that was sponsored by the Imagination Library. It will be interesting to see how this important element of the Dolly-experience is replicated on Broadway where finding a theater with the required square footage to house it might be a challenge. Dolly: A True Original Musical - that tells the tale of Parton's rags to rhinestone glory story which started in the Smoky Mountains - is running for a limited time in Nashville with the final show scheduled for August 31, 2025. After that it will be on its way to The Great White Way in 2026! Tickets for Dolly: A True Original Musical with prices starting at just $40, are on sale at www.dollymusical.com or by calling the Fisher Center Box Office at 615 460 2255. The Fisher Center is a versatile venue with ballrooms, rehearsal spaces and a gorgeous grand foyer. Since 2021, it has hosted a wide range of events including classical, CCM, national broadcasts, pop/rock and theater.
Dolly is all smiles as the full cast squeezes together on the pink carpet in Nashville. Related Links: For more information on DOLLY: A TRUE ORIGINAL MUSICAL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Dolly: A True Original Musical | Dolly Parton | The Fisher Center | Dolly Parton's Rockstar Friends Come Out to Celebrate the Premier of DOLLY: A True Original Musical in Nashville | Well, Hello Dolly - Beloved Global Icon Set to Unveil a New Musical in Nashville Before Great White Way Debut in 2026 | The Legendary Dolly Parton Delivers a Blistering and Scathing Rebuke of the State of the World on Fiery New Single
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