Set for May 19 in New York City, the 67th Annual Christopher Awards will honor "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" and 20 additional feature films, TV/Cable programs and books for adults and young people. The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The Christophers’ Director of Communications, Tony Rossi, said,
“The world around us can seem like a dark place in light of all the violence and hatred we hear about in the news. But the stories we honor with Christopher Awards remind us that we can shine a light that illuminates the darkness by choosing to practice faith, love, compassion, courage, teamwork and determination.”
Dolly will be honored for her record-breaking NBC film, "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors." Dolly said,
“I love the Christopher Award slogan, ‘Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.’ I personally believe that with all my heart. I think the movie, ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ a true story from my childhood, does throw a light on a lot of things like family, hope, love, kindness, understanding and acceptance. It really spoke to the issue of bullying. I am very proud at how God works through me to shine a light, and to help heal a lot of hurt in a lot of people, and I am very proud of this award.”
"Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" attracted 16 million viewers making it one of the most-watched television movies of all time. In addition to the Christopher Award honors, the film earned the Epiphany Prize for the Most Inspiring TV Program from the Movieguide® Awards.
"The Jim Gaffigan Show: My Friend the Priest" will be honored in the same TV/Cable category as Dolly's film. Her former co-star, Sylvester Stallone, will receive honors in the Feature Film category for "Creed."
Read more about the Christopher Awards.
The film stars Dolly and Sylvester Stallone and takes place in both New York City and Tennessee. Dolly played a country music star who, on a bet, must transform an obnoxious New York City cab driver, played by Stallone, into a singer. Though Dolly has stated her work on the soundtrack is some of her best, the film wasn't as successful critically or commercially as her previous films.
