Last year, “Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors” became the highest rated TV movie in the last seven years. On Wednesday, the much-anticipated sequel will air on NBC at 9 p.m. Eastern.
Titled “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love,” the film is centered around the true story of a Christmas from Parton’s childhood in which she and her siblings gave up their presents so their father could buy a wedding ring for their mother. Complicated by the worst snowstorm Tennessee had seen in 50 years, the story shows the families sacrifice, struggle and the miracle that saved them all.
Ole Miss alum Sam Haskell returned to produce the sequel after the success of the original and wanted to ensure that this film evokes the same reaction to “Coat Of Many Colors.” Returning the same director, writer and cast, Haskell has worked tirelessly to perfect the film and believes that it will all pay off when the movie premieres.
“These stories were so loved and embraced by so many. It was a no-brainer for me, NBC and Warner Brothers to make a second one,” Haskell said. “The story is as rich as the first one, and you’ll definitely need a big box of tissues nearby when you watch this movie. It’s hard to say, but I truly believe that it will be even better than the first one.”
Over 16 million people tuned in to watch the story of young Dolly Parton and her multi-colored coat, and it’s Parton’s ability to connect with people that Haskell attributes that to.
“Life is a journey, and it’s what we make of that journey that defines us,” Haskell said. “So, whether you’re 9 years old, 29 years old or 69 years old, there’s something to be gained from realizing where you’ve come from and what you accomplished on your journey, and no one represents that better than Dolly Parton. Dolly is real, she’s honest about her life, and I believe that Dolly’s gift, aside from her music, is her realness, her heart and her passion, and the audience’s love is their gift to her.”
Haskell and Parton have been friends for over 30 years since they met at the William Morris Agency, where Haskell worked his way from the mailroom to become the Worldwide Head Of Television. Haskell noted that Parton had been interested in telling the stories from her life, and that it took someone she trusted to ultimately make that happen. The pressure was on for Haskell to deliver, and while the ratings and the awards helped, Parton’s reaction to the first film was all he needed to know that he did it right.
“I’m honored that she chose me, and that she trusted me to put something so special in my hands, and I honor that by giving her something special back,” Haskell said. “The greatest compliment that I got was when she fell into my arms and said, ‘Thank you, it’s perfect.’ That meant the world to me, and that’s something I’ll always remember.”
To bring these stories to life, it took a great cast that includes Jennifer Nettles as Parton’s mother, Ricky Schroder, as her father. Parton herself makes a cameo as a nod to a special figure from her childhood that shaped her iconic look. Haskell praised the entire cast and spoke of how Alyvua Alyn Lind, who portrays young Dolly Parton, was chosen for the important role.
“We auditioned over 100 little girls for the role, and Dolly said she has to be perfect, and she really is,” Haskell said.
While in many industries doing something once makes it easier to do the second time around, that’s not the case in the movie industry. Nine weeks from the beginning to the end of production, Haskell and his crew had numerous challenges to overcome to bring the scenes of 1955 Tennessee to life.
“Bringing back the same cast and crew was the only thing easier about the sequel, but I’d say it was more difficult to do the second one,” Haskell said. “Creating the largest snowstorm in 1950’s Tennessee in the middle of summer in Atlanta was incredibly difficult. The special effects and sound effects in post-production were more difficult, but it all came together to create a film that we are so proud of.”
The film has been completed and shown to an audience at Dollywood in Tennessee at the premiere last week. The film received a standing ovation from the crowd and Parton herself. The first film was an unprecedented success, and Haskell knows that this sequel has the elements that make up a great film.
“This film is an exemplary example of what faith, hope, love and sacrifice mean. I hope that everyone reaches out to someone else and tell them that they have to see this movie,” Haskell said. “I want people to sit down as a family to watch this movie together again and again because this really is the story of an American icon that everyone can take something away from and relate to in some way.”
Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.
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