Reese Witherspoon’s storytelling media company will team up with country icon Dolly Parton and bestselling author James Patterson to produce their new novel as a feature film. Parton and Patterson recently released their co-authored book, Run, Rose, Run, with Parton’s companion album of the same name.
Now, Parton will star in Hello Sunshine’s feature film adaptation of the book, according to a press release on Monday (March 21). She and Patterson will produce the film with Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s President of Film and Television, Lauren Neustadter. Ashley Strumwasser is also set to executive produce. Run, Rose, Run is set in Nashville, following a young woman aiming to pursue her dreams of making music. However, her songs are inspired by “a brutal secret she has tried desperately to hide,” and the past she’s tried to flee could haunt and destroy her career.
“Growing up in Nashville, I’ve loved Dolly since the moment I heard her magical voice and saw her luminous personality shine onstage,” Witherspoon said in a statement. “Beyond her magnetic presence as an artist and performer, she is one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers of our time. Her impact knows no bounds - as a musician, actor, writer, businesswoman, activist and all around incredible human being - Dolly Parton is not only an icon to me, but a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere. My admiration for her grew to even greater heights when reading Run, Rose, Run, a gripping and heartbreaking book I couldn't put down. I couldn’t feel more honored to be working alongside her and James to bring this remarkable story to the screen.”
Patterson, who will release his autobiography in June, expressed his joy of working with Parton and noted his excitement for the partnership with Witherspoon’s company. Parton added: “I'm proud, excited and honored to be working with my good friend Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine on the movie of Run, Rose, Run from the novel I co-wrote with James Patterson. James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team.”