Zooey Deschanel, star of the Fox TV series "New Girl," has signed on to portray Loretta Lynn in a stage adaptation of the 1980 film "Coal Miner's Daughter."
Lynn announced the casting and musical during a performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Thursday, where she was joined onstage by Deschanel. The two then sang the country music singer's signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
“It’s a long way from Butcher Holler to Broadway in New York City. I never imagined I’d see Coal Miner’s Daughter on a movie screen, and now I can’t believe it’s going to be on a stage for people to see,” Lynn said. “I’m going to be right there in the front row. And I know Zooey is going to be great – she sings and writes her own songs just like I do, and we even have the same color eyes!”
"Coal Miner's Daughter" tells the story of the country singer's rise from poverty to country music legend. Sissy Spacek won the Oscar for her portrayal of Lynn, and Tommy Lee Jones was nominated for a Golden Globe for playing her husband, Doolittle Lynn.
“Loretta Lynn and her music have been inspirations for me for as long as I can remember,” said Deschanel, who is also a member of the band She & Him with M. Ward. “She is a true legend and to be chosen to play such an iconic woman is a dream come true.”
The creative team and production dates have not yet been announced. The musical will be produced by Fox Theatricals and Scott Sanders Productions.
