Sony Pictures Lands Film Adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run”

Published June 8, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Sony Pictures commits to “Run, Rose, Run” theatrical release starring Dolly Parton, with Reese Witherspoon set to produce via her Hello Sunshine banner.

In a highly competitive bidding situation, Sony Pictures has landed the film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run,” set to star 11-time Grammy-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Dolly Parton.

“I am thrilled to be bringing ‘Run, Rose, Run’ to Sony Pictures,” Dolly shared. “I’m looking forward to working with Sony and being in the movie as well. It’s a good time to be excited, working with some of my favorite people.”

Dolly’s first novel, “Run, Rose, Run,” co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, has remained a New York Times best-seller since its publication by Little, Brown & Company on March 7. A novel glittering with danger and desire, the story is about a young woman who heads to Nashville to pursue her music-making dreams and is taken under the wing of a giant female musical icon. The source of their heart-wrenching songs are secrets that both have tried to hide. Featuring twelve original songs that tie into the storyline, Dolly also released a companion album of the same name through her own Butterfly Records, which debuted to number 1 on the Current Country Albums, American/Folk and Bluegrass charts.

“Run, Rose, Run” debuted at the number 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list and spent 5 weeks at #1, making it the longest-running #1 New York Times bestseller of the decade and the bestselling novel of the year. The book’s success led to a fierce bidding war when the film project was announced shortly after, and it was Sony’s commitment to a theatrical release that secured the deal.

“Run, Rose, Run” – The Film

Dolly and James Patterson, via his company James Patterson Entertainment, will produce the feature alongside Reese Witherspoon via her Hello Sunshine banner, which worked with Sony Pictures on the upcoming adaptation of best-seller “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Lauren Neustadter is also producing for Hello Sunshine with Ashley Strumwasser executive producing, while Maia Eyre will oversee the project for Sony Pictures.

James Patterson said, “I want to watch this movie and say ‘I love this film.’ And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to be working with Hello Sunshine and Sony Pictures. They’re the best at what they do.”

“Dolly Parton and Jim Patterson. Are you kidding me? An entirely unique dynamic duo. Plus Hello Sunshine! We feel lucky as hell and grateful,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.

Having starred in hit films including ‘9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, “Run, Rose, Run” marks the first time Dolly will have a starring role on the big screen since her popular 1992 flick, “Straight Talk.” In addition to starring in and producing the film, Dolly will also be writing original songs to be featured in the big-screen adaptation.

Reese Witherspoon shared, “Counting my lucky stars that I get to collaborate with this dream team! Working with Dolly and James, who are both master storytellers, is a dream come true for me. I am overjoyed to have Sony Pictures on board as we work alongside Dolly Parton – a luminous personality, magnetic presence, and brilliant songwriter and storyteller – to bring Dolly’s gripping and heartbreaking story to the screen. We hope that this film will not only entertain but also inspire women and girls everywhere to keep dreaming.”

Team DollySony Pictures Lands Film Adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run”

Dolly Parton to Star in “Run, Rose, Run” Feature Film

Published March 21, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Hello Sunshine Partners with Dolly Parton and James Patterson to Produce Their #1 Bestselling Novel, “Run, Rose, Run” as a Feature Film

Dolly Parton is set to star in Hello Sunshine’s feature film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run,” her recently-released novel, co-authored by James Patterson.

Dolly and James will produce the feature alongside Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s President of Film and Television, Lauren Neustadter. Ashley Strumwasser will executive produce for Hello Sunshine.

“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,” Dolly said. “James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team.”

The Chart-Topping Novel and Album

Published on March 7, 2022, by Little, Brown and Company, the novel “Run, Rose, Run” debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list. Dolly also released a companion album of the same title on March 4, 2022, through her Butterfly Records label. The album debuted at #1 on the Current Country albums, Americana/Folk and Bluegrass charts.

Set in Nashville, “Run, Rose, Run” is about a young woman who comes to country music’s capital city to pursue her music-making dreams. 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.

“It has been a joy working with Dolly Parton on this book,” James said. “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.”

From Page to Screen

Reese Witherspoon shared,

“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. 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 [Dolly] 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.”

“Run, Rose, Run” — Available Now

Get Dolly’s latest album, “Run, Rose, Run,” available now on all digital streaming platforms and as a digital download, as well as on CD, standard vinyl and some special vinyl color variants. The novel, co-authored by James Patterson, is now available in stores and online in hardcover, ebook and audiobook.

Team DollyDolly Parton to Star in “Run, Rose, Run” Feature Film

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” Wins Two Emmy Awards

Published September 14, 2021 / Last Updated September 23, 2021
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Dolly Parton’s Netflix special “Christmas on the Square” wins two Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming

Congratulations are in order for Dolly Parton, who won her first Emmy Award during the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, September 12.

Dolly won an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie as an executive producer of her Netflix holiday musical, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” while the film’s choreographer Debbie Allen also took home an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming. In a conversation with Deadline, Dolly said:

“Who knew that when we were creating this movie, that it would be aired in the middle of the pandemic, and it would bring so much joy and so much hope to millions of people around the world? I think that was one of greatest gifts that we gave and didn’t even know quite when we were doing it that we were going to help uplift the world.”

Dolly’s tremendous success places her in a rare group of fewer than 100 people who have received nominations for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. With this Emmy win under her belt, now she is one step closer to joining the ranks of only 16 people who have won all four awards.

Emmy Winner, Oustanding Television Movie

 

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” is only the second holiday movie ever to win the Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. Featuring 14 original Dolly songs, the musical’s stellar cast includes Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Treat Williams and Jenifer Lewis.

When a cold-hearted, wealthy woman returns to her hometown following her father’s passing, she is on a mission to force all of her father’s tenants out of their homes in order to close a real estate deal with a mall developer. Instead, she finds herself reconnecting with people from her past and having an unexpected encounter with an angel, played by none other than Dolly herself, leading to a story of redemption.

Emmy Winner, Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming

 

“Christmas on the Square” really came to life when Debbie Allen accepted the roles of director and choreographer. The multi-award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter, director and producer has enjoyed a show-stopping career, encompassing everything from Broadway to a hit television series to the silver screen. After 20 Emmy Nominations, the award for Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming on “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” marks her fifth win.

Watch “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” Available on Netflix

Watch Dolly’s Emmy Award-winning holiday musical “Christmas on the Square,” available to stream on Netflix!

Team Dolly“Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” Wins Two Emmy Awards

Dolly Parton Celebrates Christmas in July With Two Emmy Nominations for “Christmas on the Square”

Published July 21, 2021 / Last Updated July 23, 2021
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Join us for a Christmas in July celebration as we look back on the “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” cast interviews

Christmas has come early for Dolly Parton! The recent announcement of the 2021 Emmy Nominations brought news that Dolly’s Netflix Christmas musical, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” has been nominated in two categories: Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming. Dolly said:

“Well Christmas sure came early this year! I’m thrilled about our two Emmy nominations for ‘Christmas on the Square.’ Thank you to Netflix and everyone who dreamed along with me to help make it possible.”

Come celebrate Christmas in July on Dolly’s Front Porch as we watch interviews with the cast and team behind her festive Emmy-Nominated Christmas special.

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” nominated for Outstanding Television Movie

 

With so much iconic talent involved in the film, it’s no wonder that “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. Starring Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Treat Williams, and directed and choreographed by three-time Emmy and Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, “Christmas on the Square” features 14 original Dolly songs in what has now become a hit holiday classic.

Exclusive interview with actress Christine Baranski

 

Award-winning actress, Christine Baranski, plays the leading role of Regina Fuller in “Christmas on the Square.” A Tony and Emmy award-winning actress, singer and producer, Baranski has an incredibly busy work schedule, but she jumped at the chance to collaborate with Dolly in a holiday musical.

Her character, Regina Fuller, is a cold-hearted, wealthy woman who returns to her hometown of Fullerville after her father passes away. She is on a mission to force all of her father’s tenants out of their homes, so she can close a real estate deal with a mall developer. Instead, she finds herself reconnecting with people from her past and having an unexpected encounter with an angel, played by none other than Dolly herself, giving Regina an opportunity to have a change of heart.

The story of redemption in “Christmas on the Square” serves as a beautiful reminder that the most valuable gifts we can give are treasures that money cannot buy. It’s a message of hope that renews our faith in the human spirit and affirms the fact that change for the better always begins in the heart.

Exclusive interview with actress Jenifer Lewis

 

Hollywood star Jenifer Lewis delivers a sensational performance in the role of Margeline, a lovable beauty shop owner from Fullerville. Lewis has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, appearing in many notable movies and television series. And, like Dolly, she comes from a small town and a big family. Her larger-than-life role makes an indelible impression in the film as she lights up the screen with luminous joy.

Exclusive interview with actor Treat Williams

 

The enormously talented actor, Treat Williams, has a rich and diverse resume. Having over 120 credits in film, stage and television, Williams was the perfect fit for the role of Carl Pellam, an antique store owner and caretaker of the town’s history.

Williams was a natural for this part, especially considering the fact that his mother owned and operated an antique store for many years. He understands on a deep level the connection between an object and someone you dearly love and brings this understanding to his portrayal of Carl Pellam in the film.

Debbie Allen’s talents earn Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming nomination

 

“Christmas on the Square” really came to life when Debbie Allen accepted the roles of director and choreographer. The multi award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter, director and producer has enjoyed a show-stopping career, encompassing everything from Broadway to a hit television series to the silver screen.

The energetic icon brought to the set her incredible ability to marry movement and music. Her innovative giftings, combined with Dolly’s innate way of crafting lyrics and melodies, created an endearing result of Christmas magic. Dolly composed all 14 songs that are featured in the Emmy-nominated musical. Together, these two talented women brought the heartwarming holiday story to life.

Watch “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” Available on Netflix

Celebrate Christmas in July by watching Dolly’s Emmy-nominated holiday musical “Christmas on the Square,” available to stream on Netflix!

Team DollyDolly Parton Celebrates Christmas in July With Two Emmy Nominations for “Christmas on the Square”

Now Streaming – “The Library That Dolly Built”

Published July 9, 2021 / Last Updated July 12, 2021

“The Library That Dolly Built” Now Available to Stream

“The Library That Dolly Built” now streaming on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play and Cable on Demand.

NOW STREAMING

About the Film

“The Library That Dolly Built,” directed and produced by journalism professor and director of Land Grant Films Nick Geidner, and narrated by Danica McKellar, goes behind the scenes of Dolly Parton’s literacy-focused non-profit, Imagination Library, to show how one of the most famous and beloved performers in the world has developed an efficient and effective program for spreading the love of reading. The film celebrates all the people who helped make Dolly’s dream come true.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started the Imagination Library in 1995. Thanks to the help of local affiliates all over the world, it has since grown to include all 50 states and expanded to four additional countries.

The Imagination Library gifts one book each month to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. Since inception, the Imagination Library has gifted more than 160 million books to children and is currently gifting more than 1.8 million books each month.

Michael MartinNow Streaming – “The Library That Dolly Built”