By Annie Reuter
In addition to being the inspiration behind a television movie, Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” will become a book.
Related: Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors’ Sequel Planned
“Every year I receive dozens of letters and emails from teachers talking about how they use the song in their classroom to discuss being proud of who you are, that being different is not a bad thing, that every person is special and the terrible consequences of being bullied,” Parton said in a press release. “It has always made me feel honored that my little song has been used in this way.”
“Coat of Many Colors” is about the coat Parton’s mother made from rags that she wore to school. That coat caused children to make fun of her, but also inspired her song.
“I carried the hurt from that day for a long time before it all finally came together in one frantic moment,” Parton said. “The words just poured out of me. Of course, over all of these years my memories are all about so many people who have shared with me how this song helped them heal a similar hurt. I can see all of their faces and remember all of their words.”
A sequel to Parton’s television film, Coat of Many Colors, is also on the way for later this year. Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love will be released in late 2016.
