Dolly Parton is returning to the big screen for a film adaptation of recent novel Run, Rose, Run.
The legendary country singer and actor co-wrote the novel alongside prolific thriller writer James Patterson, and the pair will also produce the movie for Hello Sunshine, Reese Witherspoon‘s production company. Witherspoon will also produce alongside Lauren Neustadter.
Run, Rose, Run was published this month, topping The New York Times Bestseller List. Parton also released a companion album of the same name. The novel follows a young woman who comes to Nashville to pursue her dreams of becoming a country music star. However, her songs hinge on a secret she has wants desperately to hide; one that could threaten her future if revealed.
“Growing up in Nashville, I’ve loved Dolly since the moment I heard her magical voice and saw her luminous personality shine onstage,” Witherspoon said in a statement. “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.”
“James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team,” Parton said, while Patterson added, “It has been a joy working with Dolly Parton on this book. It’s a great story that we are both proud of. And, in partnership with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine, we will produce a great movie.”
Parton’s best known film roles are Steel Magnolias, 9 To 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. Her last proper film role was in 2012’s musical comedy-drama Joyful Noise. Patterson is one of the most successful authors of all time, with his best known books being the Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, and Women’s Murder Club series.
Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner seems to excel at book adaptations, so pursuing a Run, Rose, Run adaptation makes sense.
The company has also been behind the TV adaptations of Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere, David Fincher‘s 2014 Gone Girl adaptation, and have a film version of Where The Crawdads Sing currently in post-production and due out later this year.
#Peace.Love.RunRoseRun
