Context:

Dolly Parton's symphony concert, 'Threads: My Songs in Symphony,' is set to be performed at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra with guest vocalists and musicians, though Parton herself will not be singing. This multimedia event will include visual elements that guide audiences through Parton's life and music journey, celebrating her substantial impact on American popular music. The concert, which debuted in Nashville last year, will showcase iconic songs such as 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' with a fresh symphonic arrangement. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell has expressed intentions to focus on high-demand shows, hoping to usher in a 'Golden Age of the Arts' with financially sustainable programming. Tickets for the event will be available to Kennedy Center members on April 29 and to the general public on May 1, as the Center seeks to recover from financial difficulties by prioritizing popular productions.

Dive Deeper:

• Dolly Parton's 'Threads: My Songs in Symphony' concert will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., featuring the National Symphony Orchestra along with guest musicians and vocalists, although Parton will not perform herself.

• The concert is described as a multimedia experience that combines music and visuals to take audiences on a journey through Parton's life and her influence on American music culture, highlighting her storytelling prowess.

• The performance will include symphonic renditions of Parton's classics such as 'Jolene,' 'Coat of Many Colors,' and 'I Will Always Love You,' providing a new perspective on her timeless hits.

• Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell aims to revitalize the Center by focusing on shows that are in high demand, ensuring financial viability while moving away from less popular programming.

• Tickets for the performance will be available to Kennedy Center members starting April 29, with general sales beginning on May 1, as part of a broader effort to attract audiences and secure financial stability for the Center.

• The concert has toured across the U.S., from Pittsburgh to Portland, after its premiere in Nashville, showcasing Parton's enduring appeal and the innovative presentation of her music.

• Steven Reineke, Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, has long dreamed of bringing Dolly Parton's music to life through a symphony orchestra, emphasizing her role as a great American music storyteller.