Katie Rose Clarke will return as Dolly Parton in DOLLY: A True Original Musical when the production moves to Broadway this winter. Parton personally selected the five lead actors before her death in August.
Carrie St. Louis will also portray Dolly. She previously took part in early readings of the musical and appeared in the Nashville production.
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Eleven-year-old Norah Nunes will play Little Dolly. Nunes earned the role after taking part in a national casting search.
John Behlmann will portray Carl Dean, Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years. Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert will play country star Porter Wagoner, who helped introduce Parton to a national television audience.
The musical will begin preview performances at the St. James Theatre on December 7, 2026. Opening night is scheduled for January 19, 2027, which would have been Parton’s 81st birthday.
Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, the production tells Parton’s life story through her music. It features hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Coat of Many Colors,” along with new songs written for the show.
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Maria S. Schlatter co-wrote the book with Parton. Mandy Moore leads the choreography team, while Derek McLane handles scenic design.
The production will also offer 30,000 free tickets to New York City public school students during its first year, continuing Parton’s focus on supporting young people and education.