Country music queen Dolly Parton announced plans for a new stage production and her own brand of wine.
Fifteen years after she earned a Tony Award nomination in the Best Score category for 9 to 5: The Musical, the stage adaptation of the classic 1980 movie in which she co-starred with Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton is returning to Broadway with Hello, I’m Dolly, a new musical based on her remarkable life and career.
Borrowing its title from the name of Parton’s first studio album released in 1967, and set to open on the Great White Way in 2026, Hello, I’m Dolly boasts a score by Parton that will include some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the musical, and a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. The show will be produced by Parton, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Danny Nozell for CTK Enterprises. Additional members of the creative team and casting will be announced at a later date.
“I first had the pleasure of working with Dolly Parton in 2019,” says Speers, “when she trusted us to develop a new version of her musical 9 to 5 for London’s West End. I had always heard she wanted to do a musical based on her life, so when she asked if I would be interested in producing it, I was bowled over. As the world knows, Dolly is a magical blend of talent, hard work, intelligence, charm, wit, and a gigantically big heart. I’m thrilled we’re going to bring her inspiring story to Broadway.”
Parton herself announced the project Thursday during her Dolly! All Access event at Fan Fair X at CMA Fest in Nashville. “Hello, I’m Dolly,” she said, I lived my whole life to see this show on stage. 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. Don’t miss it!”
At the same press conference, Parton also introduced her first collection of wines — aptly labeled Dolly Wines — in collaboration with Accolade Wines, one of the world’s largest winemakers, and Parton Family Cellars. Dolly Wines California Chardonnay 2023, the first of the new line, will go on sale in the United States in July. Starting today, it is exclusively available for pre-sale through Vivino on www.DollyWines.com.
“We are beyond excited to bring Dolly Wines to the world,” says Accolade Wines chief marketing officer Sandy Mayo. “Dolly herself was involved in all aspects of each wine, and we think they capture her captivating sense of fun and sparkle perfectly. Like the lady herself, we think everyone, everywhere will love it. Go ahead, pour yourself a cup of ambition!”
