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Tony Award winner Sutton Foster will return to Broadway to play Loretta Lynn in a musical about the late legend’s life. The production will be titled Coal Miner’s Daughter, nodding to Lynn’s iconic 1970s song and studio album.
“We are over the moon about this broadway show portraying mom’s life,” Lynn’s family shared in a statement on Wednesday (February 19). “Mom was so excited about this project and Sutton playing her on stage. Sharing mom’s story and music in this special way is so very exciting. We can’t wait!”
The Broadway musical will reportedly be based on the 1980 biopic that Lynn wrote with George Vecsey. Sissy Spacek starred as Lynn in the film. Sam Gold will direct the musical with composer Jeanine Tesori on board. Lynn’s daughter, Patsy Lynn, and her longtime advisor Nancy Russell, will also work on the musical as consulting producers. It was not immediately clear when the show would open on Broadway.
“Coal Miner's Daughter chronicles Loretta’s rise from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to country music legend,” per a press release announcing the production. “The stage adaptation will include songs from Loretta’s career and share stories from Loretta’s life beyond the film’s ending.”
Lynn’s family added in a statement:
“We are so grateful to see that our mother's life story and music will continue to touch the hearts of audiences and remain an important statement of the American dream. As one of the last creative projects our mom was so passionate about, we are thankful that she had the opportunity to experience the initial stages of Sutton's sincere portrayal of Loretta. Mom absolutely fell in love with her and thought she was just the right person to play her onstage. The family is moved by this incredible team's commitment to her legacy.”
Lynn “passed away peacefully…in her sleep at home,” at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, per a statement shared on October 4, 2022. She was 90. Lynn was born on April 14, 1932 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. she was a self-taught singer and guitar player who became known for her trailblazing career in country music. Lynn’s most unforgettable songs include “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl,” “The Pill,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Still Woman Enough” and more. Find her music on iHeartRadio here.