Dolly Parton faces farewell and new beginnings

Country music legend Dolly Parton is preparing for what could be her most emotional chapter yet. At 79, the superstar is organizing her full 2026 tour schedule with a clear intention: to give fans as many live performances as possible before she retires to focus on restoring her health.

The decision, though bittersweet, underscores Parton’s enduring dedication to her audience. Her health issues, which she has openly acknowledged are ongoing, have made it clear that the time is coming for her to slow down. Yet Dolly has never been one to simply fade away quietly. Instead, she is preparing to leave fans with a parting gift that captures her extraordinary journey — a Broadway musical that tells the story of her life.

“Hello, I’m Dolly” heads to Broadway

Slated for a 2026 premiere, Hello, I’m Dolly will mark Parton’s first biographical musical. It takes its title from her 1967 debut album, which introduced the world to songs like Dumb Blonde and Something Fishy. Just as that album launched her career, this production aims to bring her story full circle, tracing her journey from the hills of Tennessee to global superstardom.

“This show is very near and dear to my heart,” Parton said in a statement. “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.”

Parton will co-write the show with Maria S. Schlatter, with whom she previously collaborated on Netflix’s Christmas on the Square. Together, they intend to weave a musical narrative that balances humor, heartache, and triumph — all underscored by Parton’s signature sound.

A life story worth celebrating

Few artists have a life as rich with material as Dolly Parton. Over the decades, she has not only dominated country and pop charts but also made her mark in Hollywood films, philanthropy, and cultural influence.

With 11 Grammy Awards and a staggering 52 nominations — second only to Beyoncé among women — Parton’s career is legendary. Her chart-topping hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again, and Islands in the Stream. Beyond the music, her generosity has touched millions, from her Imagination Library’s global distribution of free children’s books to her $1 million donation to COVID-19 vaccine research.

Hello, I’m Dolly will bring these milestones to life, not as a dry history, but as a vibrant celebration of resilience, creativity, and humanity.

Not her first Broadway venture

While this is her first show about her own life, it’s not Parton’s first time working with Broadway. In 2009, she wrote the score for the musical adaptation of 9 to 5, which earned multiple Tony Award nominations. That experience proved her talent could thrive just as well on stage as in recording studios and arenas.

Now, she returns to Broadway with her most personal project yet. Produced by Parton herself, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Danny Nozell for CTK Enterprises, the musical is expected to be a major draw when it premieres.

A legacy cemented in music and memory

Dolly Parton has always been more than an entertainer. She has been a cultural touchstone — embodying the American dream, overcoming poverty, and achieving global acclaim while remaining deeply connected to her roots. Her music has told stories of heartbreak, perseverance, humor, and love that resonate far beyond country lines.

Her upcoming retirement from touring marks the end of an era, but it also highlights her legacy. By stepping back, she is making space for a healthier, more reflective chapter of her life while ensuring her story continues to inspire.

Fans prepare for an emotional farewell

For fans, the announcement is bittersweet. The thought of Dolly Parton no longer touring brings sadness, but the promise of one last tour and the Broadway premiere of Hello, I’m Dolly offers a reason to celebrate. Her words, her music, and her story will live on long after the final curtain call.

As Dolly herself once said: “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” In 2026, her fans will experience both — the rain of farewell and the rainbow of a dazzling new Broadway production.

Dolly Parton’s final bow will not just be on stage. It will be written into history, in the melodies she created and the lives she touched. And with Hello, I’m Dolly, her remarkable journey will find new life for generations to come.