Singer and actress Dolly Parton is heading back to the big screen.
The 76-year-old Tennessee native will be producing and starring in an adaption of James Patterson’s novel “Run, Rose, Run,” from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company.
Dolly Parton’s ‘Impact Knows No Bounds’
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the “Jolene” singer is working with Reese Witherspoon and author James Patternson for the upcoming feature film adaption. Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter will produce the film alongside Patterson and Partona. Ashley Strumwasser has signed on to serve as executive producer for the film.
The novel “Run, Rose, Run” was published on March 7 and debuted at the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list. The novel tells the story of a young woman who heads to Nashville to pursue her dreams of having a career in the music industry. The book teases, “The source of her heart-wrenching songs is a brutal secret she has tried desperately to hide, but the past she has fled is reaching out to control her future—and it may destroy everything she has worked for.”
Reese Witherspoon Has Nothing But Good Things To Say About Dolly Parton!
Reese Witherspoon immediately knew that Dolly Parton would be the perfect person to help bring the adaption to life.
“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. “Beyond her magnetic presence as an artist and performer, she is one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers of our time. Her impact knows no bounds — as a musician, actor, writer, businesswoman, activist and all around incredible human being — Dolly Parton is not only an icon to me, but a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere.”
“My admiration for her grew to even greater heights when reading Run, Rose, Run, a gripping and heartbreaking book I couldn’t put down,” she added. “I couldn’t feel more honored to be working alongside her and James to bring this remarkable story to the screen.”
This is just another big win for the Dollywood founder, who may be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame very soon. Although Dolly humbly asked to withdraw her nomination, the Hall of Fame foundation responded by telling her that it was too late, as the voting was already underway.
Dolly Parton Politely Asks To Withdraw Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nomination
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
The “9 to 5” singer didn’t feel that her country roots were enough to earn her a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Twitter, she humbly asked to withdraw her nomination on March 14.
“Dolly here!” she began. “Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow about.”
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again – if I’m ever worthy,” the ever-humble Dolly continued. “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do! My husband is a total rock ‘n’ freak, and has always encouraged me to do one.”
“I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment,” she concluded. “Rock on!”
However, it seems her message comes a little too late, as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on Thursday that they were unable to withdraw her nomination.
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Rejects Dolly Parton’s Withdrawl!
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 17, 2022
A few days later, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame made its own statement on Twitter, announcing that they could not accept her withdrawal because the ballots had already been sent out last month and that the voting process was already underway.
“All of us in the music community have seen Dolly Parton’s thoughtful note expressing her feeling that she has not earned the right to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” the message began. “In addition to her incredible talent as an artist, her humility is another reason Dolly is a beloved icon by millions of fans around the world.”
“From its inception, Rock and Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” they went on. “It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nomination to be considered for induction into to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.”
“Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 for the class of 2022 was sent out earlier this month to our 1,200 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for consideration for induction at our ceremony,” they added.
They concluded the message, saying, “We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
While plenty of fans were excited to see her still being included, others wished that the foundation would respect her wishes to step down!
