A musical about the life of Dolly Parton is planned for next year on what would have been the late singer’s 81st birthday, and a U.S. museum dedicated to her stellar career is due to open later this year.
Previews for "Dolly: A True Original Musical" will be staged in New York before opening night on Broadway on Jan. 19.
A museum called "Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors," referencing her 1971 song and album "Coat Of Many Colors," is due to open in Nashville, Tennessee, later this year.
The death of the country superstar was announced by Parton’s family on Tuesday night following a "brief battle with cancer."
The autobiographical musical was the passion project of Parton’s final years.
She said in a statement last month: "My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really, and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it."
The museum will be an "immersive retrospective of Dolly’s life," according to its website.
It will use "state-of-the-art technology" where Parton will "take you through her many worlds of music and movies, family and faith."
The website also said: "Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum invites fans to experience Dolly’s expansive career and most personal memories through the eyes of Dolly herself."
"Dolly’s life plays out in this colorful exhibition, on the third floor of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in the heart of Nashville."
"Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum is the largest exhibit celebrating her life anywhere in the world, spanning every dynamic decade from the top of the mountains to the top of the world."
"Her transformative career takes guests on the road, behind the scenes, on set and backstage of her most iconic moments."
The museum will feature a series of rooms including Life On The Road, which looks at the singer’s tours, Dolly’s Wardrobe, which features outfits from Parton’s archive, and The Hall Of Fame, which celebrates landmarks in her career.
"Dolly: A True Original Musical" follows "9 To 5 The Musical," which premiered in 2008 and was based on the 1980 film "9 To 5," starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and the song of the same name from her concept album "9 To 5 And Odd Jobs."
The musical is on a U.K. tour and gasps were heard at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing on Tuesday night when news of Parton’s death was announced from the stage.
Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee, told the audience: "Tonight, we will perform the piece as she intended with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life."
"As we begin, we dedicate tonight’s performance to Dolly Parton, with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter and joy she gave us."
