Legendary country icon Dolly Parton had a glittering, decades-long career, but now the star has a go at something entirely new and different: Broadway. Genius Parton puts her life story to paper for a Broadway musical that promises to be just as colorful and soulful as the singer herself.
Suppose ever there was a rags-to-riches story begging to be told. In that case, it is the quintessential one of Dolly Parton-from poor, small-town girl in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to international superstardom. Parton’s life was a struggle-and-triumph story almost too vividly compelling to resist being adapted to the stage. Parton worked closely with a creative team of writers, composers, and choreographers in telling her life story that would be peppered with her iconic songs.
The musical will likely feature several of Parton’s biggest hits, working her iconic songs into the narrative. There is little doubt that the audience will hear such classics as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” in ways that will add considerable weight to their meanings within the framework of her life story.
Besides her rich musical history, the show will follow Parton’s personal life: family background and drive for success, setbacks, and subsequent success. It will touch on her philanthropic work, especially in education, with the Imagination Library having distributed millions of books worldwide to children.
This is going to be one heartwarming and hugely entertaining musical about a woman who, besides shaping country music, was able to touch millions with her generosity and spirit. This must be noticed by Dolly Parton fans or, in general, by Broadway music lovers.
