Dolly Parton's 'Coat of Many Colors' Reveals Icon's Heart-Rending Childhood

Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 3 MIN.

On December 10 on NBC, iconic performer Dolly Parton's childhood will come to life in the TV-movie based on the Country Music Hall of Famer's 1971 autobiographical hit, "Coat of Many Colors."

"I have often said that 'Coat Of Many Colors' is my favorite of all the songs I've written," said Parton. "I've always seen it as a philosophy, a real glimpse into my life and childhood. Now, thanks to Warner brothers, NBC, and my partner Sam Haskell, it's a movie too!�This December 10th, the story of my little coat will air on NBC, and I hope that folks will enjoy it as much I have."

The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic nor musical about Parton's whole life and performing career, but rather a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family's life around the time she was 9 years old. The film stars Jennifer Nettles and Ricky Schroder. It introduces Alyvia Alyn Lind, who was handpicked by Dolly to play little Dolly in the film.�

Also sister Stella Parton stars in the film, saying she was honored to portray Corla Bass in the movie.

"I was touched that my sister asked me to be our family advisor on the set during the filming," said Stella Parton. "The cast, crew and everyone involved did an amazing job telling our family story.�I hope everyone will receive the message of love that my sister Dolly wrote about so masterfully in her song; 'Coat Of Many Colors'."

She, alongside Dolly,�adds that it's a tearjerker, so be sure to have a couple boxes of Kleenex nearby! That's two Parton's promising a whole lot of feelings -- are you guys prepared?

NBC Executive Producer Sam Haskell echoed this sentiment, saying, "Dolly Parton's�'Coat Of Many Colors'�is a beautifully directed movie with performances that touch the heart.�Our audience will witness a true story from the childhood of an American Icon. Through Dolly Parton, we see the dreams of a child that became a reality, and ultimately inspired generations to believe that anything is possible!"

Parton made several appearances across multiple platforms to promote her movie. Her media blitz included a December 3 appearance on the CBS show "The Talk," where Parton chatted with hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood. The country queen will also spotlight the made-for-TV movie during December 8 and 10 appearances on NBC's "Today" and December 7 and 8 appearances on the Hallmark Channel's show "Home & Family."

There was also a two-night NBC event on "The Voice" on December 7 and 8, where Parton mentored the remaining contestants.�She also performed her 1971 autobiographical hit "Coat of Many Colors."

Parton is also gracing the cover of NASH Country Weekly, First for Women, Live Happy, TV Weekly and Channel Guide magazines on newsstands now.

"It has truly been a labor of love," said Parton. "I could not be more proud of the cast and the crew, and feel blessed to call all of them honorary members of the Parton clan... Tune in and bring a box of tissues; you're gonna need it."


by Winnie McCroy , EDGE Editor

Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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