Thousands of music lovers witnessed the final curtain call of “Dolly: An Original Musical” on Sunday, August 31, 2025, as the world premiere production concluded its highly successful run at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville.
The biographical musical, which chronicles the life of Tennessee’s beloved music icon Dolly Parton, had been extended by two weeks beyond its original closing date due to overwhelming demand.
The production began previews on July 18 before officially opening on August 8, initially scheduled for a four-week limited engagement ending August 17.
However, robust ticket sales prompted organizers to extend the run through the end of August, giving more fans the opportunity to experience the show before its anticipated Broadway transfer in 2026.
Directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, the musical features a book co-written by Parton herself alongside Maria S. Schlatter, with a score that includes both Parton’s classic hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Coat of Many Colors,” plus new compositions created specifically for the production.
The show’s unique structure employs three different actresses—Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb—to portray Parton at various stages of her life, from her Smoky Mountains childhood to international stardom.
The Nashville engagement also featured innovative educational components through the “Dolly U” initiative, which allowed Belmont University students hands-on experience with the production’s development, marketing, and creative processes.
This partnership between CTK Enterprises and Belmont served as a pilot program for potential future collaborations.
Tickets for the production, which started at $40, remained in high demand throughout the run.
The musical offers aspiring performers valuable insights into personal brand development, demonstrating how Parton’s distinctive image and authentic voice helped establish her enduring career in the music industry.
The Fisher Center, which recommended attendees arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime, noted that the show might be inappropriate for children under 12 due to mature themes explored in Parton’s life story.
The musical celebrates Parton’s extraordinary career achievements, including her status as Billboard’s #1 Country Artist of All Time and her impressive catalog of over 3,000 songs.
For fans unable to attend the live performances, the production team has announced plans to release selected musical numbers on streaming platforms to reach Parton’s global audience.
Fans attending the show could easily access the venue with free parking available at both South Garage on Compton Avenue and Curb Garage on Bernard Avenue.
As the production prepares for its next chapter, the Nashville run has firmly established “Dolly: An Original Musical” as a celebration of Parton’s enduring legacy as a songwriter, performer, and cultural icon.
