By Robert Simonson
22 Apr 2004

Country star Dolly Parton has joined the ranks of singer-songwriters to try their hand at composing a stage musical.

Parton told Country Music Television that she is working on a show called Mountain Star. It concerns the trajectory of Parton's own career, beginning with her rural upbringing as the daughter of a poor Tennessee tobacco farmer. It will include some extant Parton numbers, like "Coat of Many Colors." Parton said she will compose the entire score but does not plan to star in the piece.

Parton was one of 12 children. She began her singing career while still a teenager, appearing at the Grand Old Opry at age 13. For many years, she sang duets with Porter Wagoner on the latter's television show. In the '70s, she struck out on her own, scoring hits as both a country and pop artist. Among them were "Jolene," "Two Doors Down," "Here You Come Again," "I Will Always Love You" and "9 to 5." She began acting in films in the late '70s, beginning with "9 to 5."

She is one the most successful recording artists in country music history, heading a corporation worth tens of millions. In 1986 she founded Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.