Dolly Parton will mark her 81st birthday with the Broadway opening of a musical about her life, titled Dolly: A True Original Musical.
The show is scheduled to begin previews at New York's St James Theatre on 7 December, with an official opening on 19 January, the singer's birthday.
In a video announcement, Parton promised the production would be “true in every sense of the word”.
“This isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” she said.
“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 through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.”
Parton described bringing the show to New York as “a dream come true” and noted it would feature her best-loved hits as well as new songs written for the production.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really!”
she said in a press release.
“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!”
The musical premiered in Nashville last summer with a sold-out run at the city’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Over a six-decade career, Parton has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and blazed a trail in country music.
The show will capture how she “dreamed, dared, stumbled and soared” through storytelling, according to the press release.
Signature hits featured include I Will Always Love You, Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and 9 to 5.
Director Bartlett Sher said the musical would reveal the life of a much-loved but enigmatic star.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting 10 July, with early access for fans.
