Dolly Parton is looking for someone to portray her

Originally appeared on E! On-line

Dolly Parton is ready to get back up Broadway.

The Country music Symbol – who received one Tony Award Nomination in 2009 for 9 to 5: The Musical– has just announced a search for actresses to play her in a new stage show about her life in 2026.

“I am announcing the search for Dolly,” she said in a Dec. 5 statement Instagram Notice. “Whether you’re in a small town chasing your dreams or have spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway and maybe even play me.”

“This show is a tribute to my music, my life and all the amazing people who have accompanied me along this journey,” she continued. “Now we’re looking for talented artists who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re a seasoned theater professional or an undiscovered gymnast with that little special song.”

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But the 78-year-old, whose career began at age 10 and has spanned music, TV And filmso 11 GrammysIntroductions to Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame and countless other awards – don’t just look for one person to portray them.

“We’re looking for three Dollies,” Dolly said exclusively E! News. “There must be a little dolly because I started doing it when I was very young. And then there’s the middle dolly that I spent many of those years with. And then the older Dolly, who sort of narrates the whole thing (and) comes in and out and even sort of works with the other two.” (For more on Dolly’s interview, see here E! News tonight, December 5th, at 11 p.m.)

And while she’s determined to find the right women for the roles, what she’s most excited about is the process.

“(The search) will be fun because you never know who you’re going to find,” Dolly explained. “It would be great if we found an unknown person who is just amazing. I always think the hardest part will be finding little Dolly.”

“Wouldn’t we be blessed if we could find a little?” Shirley Temple?” she asked. “You know, one of those little kids who can memorize and remember and dance and sing and so on. But I hope that in the end we have all the good people.”

You can find more information about Dolly’s interview here E! News tonight, December 5th, at 11 p.m

In the meantime, read on for a look back at Dolly’s through the years.

– Reporting by John Redman