JUST IN: Dolly Parton Announces Details For Musical Premiere & Belmont Educational Experience

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton took the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts this morning (Jan. 28) to announce that Dolly: An Original Musical will have its world premiere at the Nashville venue this summer before heading to Broadway in 2026. The musical will run for a four-week limited engagement at the Fisher Center, with preview performances starting Friday, July 18, an opening night set for Friday, Aug. 8, and a final performance on Sunday, Aug. 17.

She shared, “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. Right here in Nashville, at the beautiful Belmont University’s Fisher Center.”

Tickets for Dolly: An Original Musical, with prices starting at just $40, are on sale now at dollymusical.com or by calling the Fisher Center Box Office at 615-460-2255.

Dolly: An Original Musical will feature a score by Parton that will include some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the musical, a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter and will be directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher. The musical is produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner serve as casting directors and 101 Productions, Ltd. are general manager for the musical. Casting, additional creative team members and other details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to the world premiere of her musical, Parton, CTK Enterprises and Belmont University announced the launch of Dolly U, an immersive educational experience focused on the creation of the musical’s world premiere. This inaugural program offers students opportunities to work alongside the musical’s professional cast, creative and production teams as it develops and debuts at the Fisher Center this summer.

Dolly U’s initial offerings include project-based courses during the spring semester in areas like marketing, brand partnerships, and merchandising, providing students with hands-on experience and course credit while contributing to the production. Students have also been serving as production assistants and casting ambassadors, playing a key role in facilitating “The Search for Dolly,” a national casting search recently completed. Those selected will have the chance to audition for roles in the new musical, with results to be announced soon.

This first-year program serves as a pilot for future collaborations between Belmont, Parton and CTK Enterprises, with plans to expand Dolly U’s reach and impact. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu/dollyu.

LB Cantrell
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