Dolly: A True Original Musical opened at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts last Friday! The show retells the life story of country music icon Dolly Parton, from her humble beginnings in East Tennessee to worldwide success and acclaim. Running in Nashville through August 31, the show features original music and story co-written by Parton.
The musical sets Parton’s life to a soundtrack of classic hits alongside new original songs Parton wrote for the show. To portray nearly eight decades of life, three different actresses, Katie Rose Clark, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb portray Parton at different stages of her life.
According to Billboard, it was important to Parton that she have creative control over her life story, which she co-wrote with Maria S Schlatter. The format was clear— she had always visualized her story as a musical. Even seasoned fans may spot new facts and connections about Parton’s life during the show.
Big Hair, Bigger Impact
Parton launched the Dolly U program at Belmont University, where the musical premiered. The hands-on learning experience allowed Belmont undergraduates to assist in producing the musical’s documentary or to complete market research for course credit, beginning during the writing stages of the project.
The program is one of many ways Parton has sought to support education, especially for young creatives. Her philanthropic efforts have further cemented Parton as a cultural icon. As a long-time Nashville resident, it was important to Parton that the musical open in her home state to remember her roots.
Many fans expressed their dedication to Parton as an influential musician and as a cultural icon. According to the New York Times, fans came from all over Tennessee for opening night, braving an uncomfortable summer storm. Many attendees came dressed for the occasion: with cowboy boots, rhinestones, even big blonde wigs— dressing themselves as their own backwoods Barbie.
Backwoods Barbie To Queen Dolly
Parton, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, had her start onstage and on the radio in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her first studio album, Hello, I’m Dolly, was a breakout success, a big feat for a barefoot singer from the Smoky Mountains.
@dollyparton ‘Hello, I’m Dolly’ will always have a special place in my heart as my debut album. I’m so very excited for it to be back on vinyl for the first time since 1971 as part of Vinyl Me, Parton with @VMP. 😊 #VMP #VinylMePlease
♬ original sound – Dolly Parton
With over 100 million records sold, Parton is known as a country icon. Her notable works include the hit song “9 to 5,” which also inspired a movie of the same name. She also wrote and originally performed “I Will Always Love You.” The song was notably covered by Whitney Houston for The Bodyguard. These songs, both featured in her musical, are barely a scribble in a 3,000-page songbook that Parton has composed in her career.
Parton’s look is instantly recognizable: big blonde hair, acrylic nails, and flashy clothes. She cites her inspiration as the women in her town known as “trash,” whose image she chose to embrace and emulate. From her iconic Playboy cover to candid plastic surgery discussions, Parton has owned every part of her image without ever taking herself too seriously.
For countless people, especially Southern women, Parton is more a lifestyle than a musician. Her philanthropic efforts, iconic look, and genre-changing music make her legacy much bigger than herself. With Dolly: A True Original Musical, her legacy now has its own spotlight. Hopefully, Parton’s work will have an audience for generations to come.
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