Dolly Parton to star in 'Run, Rose, Run' film co-produced by Reese Witherspoon
Dolly Parton's new book is getting the movie treatment -- with a little help from Reese Witherspoon.
Two weeks after the release of "Run, Rose, Run," which Parton co-wrote with author James Patterson, the novel is now being adapted into a feature film co-produced by Parton, Patterson, Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine, a media company founded by the Academy Award-winning actress.
Better yet, Parton is set to star in the film, which follows an aspiring country singer who moves to Nashville with a collection of songs inspired by a dark secret from her past. The book was released on March 7 and became a New York Times bestseller, debuting at No. 1. It was accompanied by an album of the same name featuring original songs by Parton.
"I'm proud, excited and honored to be working with my good friend Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine on the movie of 'Run, Rose, Run' from the novel I co-wrote with James Patterson. James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team," Parton said in a statement.
"Growing up in Nashville, I've loved Dolly since the moment I heard her magical voice and saw her luminous personality shine onstage. Beyond her magnetic presence as an artist and performer, she is one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers of our time," Witherspoon said, calling the Grammy winner an "icon."
She went on, "My admiration for her grew to even greater heights when reading 'Run, Rose, Run,' a gripping and heartbreaking book I couldn't put down. I couldn't feel more honored to be working alongside her and James to bring this remarkable story to the screen."
