Quit Your 9 to 5: Dolly Parton Is Searching for Someone to Portray Her

As I delve into the vibrant and captivating life of Dolly Parton, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by her incredible resilience, talent, and unyielding spirit. With over 60 years in the entertainment industry under her rhinestone-studded belt, she has become an icon, a symbol of strength, and a testament to the power of dreams and determination.

Dolly Parton is gettin’ ready to giddy up back to Broadway.

A renowned figure in country music, who earned a Tony Award nomination in 2009 for the musical “9 to 5,” has recently initiated the hunt for actresses to portray her in an upcoming stage production set to debut in 2026, detailing key moments from her life.

She declared on her Instagram post dated December 5th that she is launching a search for someone named Dolly. Regardless of whether you’re pursuing your aspirations in a small town or have spent decades performing on various stages nationwide, I invite you to join me in bringing my story to Broadway and potentially playing the role of myself.

She went on to say, “This production is a tribute to my music, my experiences, and the extraordinary individuals who have accompanied me throughout my journey. We are currently seeking gifted performers capable of embodying the essence of my voyage, whether you’re a seasoned stage artist or an undiscovered talent with that unique spark.

However, the 78-year-old, who started her career at age 10 and has since delved into music, television, and film, accumulating 11 Grammys, inductions into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, as well as numerous other accolades, is not limiting her search to a single actor for portraying her.

According to Dolly, we’re searching for three different versions of herself: a younger one, a middle-aged one who she spent most of her years with, and an older one who serves as the narrator and interacts with the other two,” Dolly shared exclusively with TopMob News. (Be sure to catch more of Dolly’s interview on TopMob News tonight at 11 p.m., Dec. 5.)

Additionally, she’s resolute about discovering suitable actresses for each role, but what excites her most is the journey ahead.

Dolly said, “The search is bound to be exciting because you never can predict who might show up! It would be wonderful if we stumbled upon an incredible, undiscovered individual. I can’t help but think that finding a mini-me could prove to be the most challenging part of this adventure.

She inquired, “Aren’t we fortunate if we could discover a child like Shirley Temple? You understand, someone who can recall lines, dance, and sing, all in one package. Yet, what I truly wish for is that we end up with lots of kind-hearted individuals instead.

For more of Dolly’s interview, tune into TopMob News tonight, Dec. 5, at 11 p.m.

In the meantime, keep reading for a look back at Dolly’s through the years.

—Reporting by John Redmann