Sutton Foster Stars in New Musical About Loretta Lynn’s Life

NEW YORK, N.Y. — A musical celebrating the life and music of country legend Loretta Lynn is in development, featuring two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster as the star. The production, titled Coal Miner’s Daughter, will be guided by Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and directed by acclaimed director Sam Gold.

Inspired by Lynn’s 1976 autobiography and the Oscar-winning 1980 film, the stage adaptation aims to chronicle the singer’s rise from her humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to becoming a country music icon. The musical will feature a score of Lynn’s greatest hits, including “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” while also extending her story beyond the film’s narrative.

The project has a long history, tracing back to 2012 when Lynn announced actress Zooey Deschanel was set to portray her. However, that version did not materialize. The current producing team includes Broadway veterans Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini, and ATG Entertainment. Additionally, Lynn’s daughter, Patsy Lynn, and longtime adviser Nancy Russell will serve as consulting producers in honor of Lynn’s legacy.

Sutton Foster, known for her roles in Broadway productions like The Music Man and Sweeney Todd, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. “I am deeply honored to portray such an influential figure in country music,” Foster said.

Lynn’s family also shared their gratitude for the project’s development, stating, “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.”

Lynn’s remarkable career spanned over six decades. She sold more than 45 million records globally and garnered numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Many of her chart-topping hits, like “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “The Pill,” remain staples in country music today.

Although Lynn passed away on October 4, 2022, her legacy continues to resonate through projects like this musical. “We are thankful that she had the opportunity to experience the initial stages of Sutton’s sincere portrayal of Loretta,” Lynn’s family shared. “Mom absolutely fell in love with her and thought she was just the right person to play her on stage.”

The team behind Coal Miner’s Daughter hopes to present a production that honors Lynn’s story and extends her influence to future generations of fans.