Dolly Parton Broadway musical announces opening

Dolly Parton has hailed a Broadway musical about her life a "dream come true".

The 9 to 5 hitmaker has written some new songs for Dolly: A True Original Musical, which will also feature classics from her back catalogue, and she is excited for fans to see the production, which begins previews at New York’s St James Theatre on 7 December before officially opening on 19 January, her 81st birthday.

She said in a video message to fans: "This really is a dream come true. I can’t wait to share it with all of you.”

Dolly - who cancelled her Dolly: Live in Las Vegas residency shows in May due to ongoing health issues - promised the production will be "true in every sense of the word".

She added: “This isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside.

"It’s about where I really come from: where I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved and how I’ve found my way and told it in my own words and and through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.”

The musical first debuted in Nashville last year, but has since undergone changes, and the Jolene hitmaker promised the new production will make for a "wonderful, entertaining" evening.

She said in a separate statement: "My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really! We have a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show! Can’t wait to see you there!”

Director Bartlett Sher is looking forward to fans learning Dolly's "unfiltered story".

He said: “During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly. You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy.

“But despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before. She’s offered glimpses and peeks, but this musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we’re thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story.”