Dolly Parton musical sets Broadway cast with Katie Rose Clarke in lead role

Dolly: A True Original Musical, the upcoming Broadway musical about Dolly Parton’s life and career, has announced its principal cast.

Katie Rose Clarke will star as Dolly Parton, reprising the role following her performance in the musical’s Nashville production. Carrie St. Louis will also portray Dolly, playing the singer and songwriter during her early years as she works to establish herself in the Nashville music scene. Eleven-year-old Norah Nunes will play Little Dolly after becoming one of the finalists in the musical’s online “Search for Dolly” casting call.

The cast also includes Grammy nominee John Behlmann as Carl Dean, Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, and Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert as Porter Wagoner, the country music star who helped introduce Parton to a national television audience.

The Broadway production will feature new music written by Parton alongside several of her well-known songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.”

Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin previews at Broadway’s St. James Theatre on Dec. 7, with its official opening scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027. The date would have marked Parton’s 81st birthday.

The musical had its world premiere in Parton’s hometown of Nashville last year. The production tells her story through her own words and music. Parton was a producer on the project and also wrote the musical’s book with two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter.

Bartlett Sher, known for directing To Kill a Mockingbird and South Pacific, will direct the Broadway production. The creative team also includes choreographer Mandy Moore, scenic designer Derek McLane and costume designer Jennifer Moeller.

Additional casting and production details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.