Throughout Dolly Parton’s storied, prolific career, nothing is as much adored as “Coat of Many Colors.” It’s been a fan-favorite since its release in 1971 as the second single off the album of the same name.
The sweet ballad, which she wrote while traveling with Porter Wagoner on a tour bus and on the back of a dry-cleaning receipt, details Dolly Parton‘s childhood growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It will give us a glimpse of the country icon’s poor upbringing, yet the love of her family was more than enough to make her feel as rich as she could be.
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The song’s centerpiece is a coat her mother, Avie Lee, stitched together from different rags. Avie Lee compared her daughter’s coat to that of Joseph’s in the Bible. That is how she ended up calling it “coat of many colors.”
In 2015, Dolly’s cherished “Coat of Many Colors” was brought to life on a made-for-television drama film. Written by Pamela K. Long, the film centers upon the talented little nine-year-old Dolly, played by child actress Alyvia Alyn Lind. It gives viewers more than a glimpse of the country queen’s childhood, but as well as her upbringing in a family of twelve children. It accurately depicts their struggles, faith, and love and how Dolly managed to pursue her passion for music – thanks to the never-ending support of her parents.
Dolly produced the TV movie and approved the cast herself. In addition to Alyvia Alyn Lind, the cast includes Ricky Schroder, Jennifer Nettles as well as Dolly’s sister, Stella Parton. Dolly also served as the narrator.
Coat of Many Colors premiered on NBC on December 10, 2015. And just like most of Dolly Parton’s movies, it only broadened the country icon’s remarkable legacy by shattering records and even leading to the creation of a similarly well-received sequel, Christmas of Many Colors, which was released a year later.
Check the trailer below and be inspired by the country Queen’s real life story.
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