Parton shared her excitement — and the release date for the project that she is executively producing — via social media.
The TV movie is based off of the country star’s humble upbringing in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. The film depicts the Country Music Hall of Famer and her family as they overcome tragedy and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped frame Parton’s career.It was recently revealed that Jennifer Nettles will be portraying young Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton, in the feature. This marks the Sugarland singer’s second major gig as an actress, following her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago earlier this year.
Gerald McRaney (Southland, House of Cards) will play Grandpa Jake Owens and Ricky Schroder (24, NYPD Blue) will portray Dolly’s father, Lee Parton. Young actress Alyvia Lind scored the part of Dolly as a child in the film. Production for the project will begin in Atlanta this week.
Coat of Many Colors is part of the deal Parton penned in January with NBC. The network will develop several two-hour television movies based on the country staple’s songs, stories and life, and while they will contain music, the made-for-TV flicks won’t be musicals. The question is still out whether or not Parton will have a role in any of the films.
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors will air Thursday, Dec. 10, from 9-11PM ET on NBC.