Dolly Parton Announces Plans for New Movie, Reveals Dream Duet Partner

We need to hear this Dolly Parton duet! 

Dolly Parton Announces Plans for New Movie, Reveals Dream Duet Partner
Dolly Parton; Photo courtesy of Dolly Parton on Facebook

Dolly Parton’s new book may be hitting the big screen very soon. The country superstar joined Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson on a recent episode of Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly podcast, where she announced plans for movie based on her recently released book, Run, Rose, Run. 

“We’ve already made the deal, and they’re already writing a script,” Parton says. “I’m going to be playing the part of Ruthanna who is the older character. She was once a star and now she’s retired. Pretty much like me with the exception that I’m not retired and never intend to be.” 

Parton has not yet announced details of the cast, but she says the movie is set to be released in about year and a half. Parton co-wrote the book alongside author James Patterson, and she reads the part of Ruthanna Ryder in the audiobook version. Kelsea Ballerini also joined the audiobook, reading the part of main character AnnieLee, a young musician who moves to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. Parton also released an accompanying album full of tracks that relate to the book. 

In addition to chatting about her new book and upcoming movie, Parton also revealed her dream duet partner — a pick that may be a surprise to some fans. 

“Right now, there’s a lot of great people out there,” says Parton. “I love Ed Sheeran. In his early days, when I would hear his little voice, or his big little voice, his emotional wonderful voice, I used to think, ‘Boy, I bet we could sing something beautiful together,’ like to pick the right song that has the way we both can sing with emotion because we feel it. Maybe someday I can do something with him. I’d like to.” 

Parton has been busy lately, having hosted the 2022 ACM Awards on March 7 alongside Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen. The country legend also made headlines recently for declining an invitation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and hinting at a possible rock and roll album in the future. 

“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,” Parton shared on Instagram. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.” 

“I do hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy,” she continues. “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.”