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Heartbreaking news for the world today, as beloved country music icon Dolly Parton has died at 80.
And while her roots will forever be tied to the Smoky Mountains and Nashville, New York City has long had its own special place in Dolly’s story. From being honored with the Key to the City of New York in 1978 by Mayor Ed Koch to having her face and music featured on limited-edition MTA MetroCards decades later, Dolly has left plenty of sparkle behind in the city.
Broadway was also preparing to welcome her story to New York. DOLLY: A True Original Musical, a new production written by Parton and featuring music from throughout her career, is scheduled to begin previews at the St. James Theatre on December 7, with its official opening set for January 19, 2027—what would have been Parton’s 81st birthday.
Following her death, producers said the show will continue as planned, noting that moving forward with the production was Parton’s wish, according to CBS news.
For a woman whose music has always seemed to make even the biggest room feel a little more personal, there’s something incredibly New York about the way the city is remembering her: on Broadway, in its subway stations, and tonight, high above Midtown for millions of people to see.
The Empire State Building will glow pink for Dolly tonight
Tonight, the Empire State Building will light its tower pink from 9:25 to 10:25 p.m. in honor of Parton.
So if you happen to be walking through Midtown tonight, look up. For one hour, the skyline will have its own little Dolly moment, a pink beacon above the city in honor of a woman whose songs, kindness and unmistakable spirit will live on.
And as New York prepares to tell her story on a Broadway stage later this year, the city gets one more chance to say goodbye to the star.