By Robyn Collins
When the TV movie Coat of Many Colors aired in December 2015, over 12 million viewers tuned in to watch the story based on Dolly Parton’s childhood—the most for a film on the big four networks in four years.
Related: Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade Will Air Live on Facebook
Viewers who enjoyed the film will be thrilled to know a sequel is on the way. Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love will be released in 2016, and will feature the cast from the first Coat of Many Colors. Jennifer Nettles will play Avie Lee Parton, Ricky Schroder reprises his role as Robert Lee Parton and Alyvia Alyn Lind returns as young Dolly Parton. The story centers around the family’s Christmas traditions and their survival during an unexpected blizzard, as well as the beginning of Dolly’s singing career.
Previously, the next film in Parton’s production agreement with NBC was going to be based around the song “Jolene.” Parton said that’s still going to happen, but it may be delayed.
“We are going into production with Jolene and if it don’t come out this year it’ll definitely be next year, because we’re gonna go ahead and get it done this year,” she told Rolling Stone Country. “The script is done, they’ve already approved all that. That’s gonna be one of the movies of the week — I signed a four picture deal with NBC so we’ve got three things in the works. The fourth one we might do a musical special, like a Christmas movie or an Easter special, something with music, musical guests or different people that I’m just hosting.”
Parton will also begin her first extensive North American tour in 20 years on June 3rd in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dolly’s Pure & Simple Tour has 14 dates scheduled through the end of June, with more to be added.
