This week, we’ve lost a timeless, irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind icon whose music, heart, humor, and humanity have meant so much to our community, and to the world.
This past season, our Pride show was a love letter to Dolly, celebrating her extraordinary music and the joy, kindness, and acceptance she shared among generations. For so many in the LGBTQ+ community, her songs gave us so much to sing about, laugh about, cry about, and hold onto.
Reflecting on Dolly’s enduring connection to the LGBTQ+ community, SFGMC Artistic Director Jake Stensberg told NBC Bay Area:
“The LGBTQ+ community connects with her so much because she woke up every day, decided how she wanted to live and did so courageously and publicly, and in doing so made us all believe that we could do that too.”
Jake also joined two Dolly Parton biographers to discuss her life and legacy on KQED’s Forum on August 26 to reflect on her remarkable life and impact. Hear the entire interview.
Dolly, we will always love you.
Inside the 2026 concert
Dolly! was performed at Green Music Center on June 6 and the Curran Theatre on June 13, 2026. The program included arrangements by Chad Weirick, Nicolas Perez, Sharon Udoh and other collaborators, with featured performances by The Lollipop Guild and HomoPhonics.
In his program note, Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg described a progression from work, love and vulnerability toward renewal and joy. He selected “Wildflowers” as a farewell to outgoing CEO Christopher Verdugo.
Explore the complete song list, performer credits and program notes in the Curran Theatre program or the Green Music Center program.
Photos from Dolly! A Pride Show by Stefan Cohen
In the news
- ABC7 News, “Remembering Dolly Parton: A look at music icon’s huge impact on the Bay Area” by Karina Nova, Luz Pena, Alex Stone and Tim Johns, August 26, 2026. Featured SFGMC’s June 2026 Dolly show, with Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg on Parton’s courage and message of belonging. Read the original story
- NBC Bay Area, “Dolly Parton remembered in Bay Area for music, advocacy and literacy impact” by Sergio Quintana, August 25, 2026. Included Stensberg on why LGBTQ+ people connect with Parton: she lived openly and bravely, and “made us all believe that we could do that too.” Read the original story
- The Bold Italic, “What Dolly Parton Left in San Francisco” by Saul Sugarman, August 25, 2026. Listed Dolly! A Pride Show, which closed SFGMC’s 48th season at the Curran, among the city’s Dolly traditions. Read the original story
