Loretta Lynn’s Legacy Takes Broadway: New Musical, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ in the Works

With Loretta Lynn spending over six decades in country music, she became an icon of the genre thanks to songs like “The Pill”, “Blue Kentucky Girl” and, of course, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Not only embracing the genre, Lynn appeared to simply be country music. Having sold millions of albums over the years, Lynn also held numerous awards, including three Grammys. Sadly, in October 2022, the mesmerizing singer passed away at 90 years old. With her legacy continuing, it appears that Lynn’s life will be transformed into a musical for Broadway. 

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Helmed by Broadway greats like Sam Gold and Jeanine Tesori, the musical will revolve around Lynn’s life within country music. As for the role of Lynn, that honor went to Sutton Foster. While tackling the role of the famed singer, Foster is no stranger to the stage. Over the years, she appeared in musicals like Grease, Little Women, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Once Upon a Mattress. She even appeared on television in the show Younger. 

[RELATED: The Story Behind the Song The Made Loretta Lynn Cry and One She Barely Performed Live]

Family Of Loretta Lynn Excited About New Musical

With Foster spending years on stage, she is sure to honor the life of Lynn. Thrilled about the Broadway musical, Lynn’s family wrote 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.”

Besides a talented performer, apparently, Lynn was a fan of Foster. The family insisted, “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.” 

While the musical remains in production, Lynn will join the ranks of other country legends who had their life transformed into a stage play. Dolly Parton shared her excitement about her own musical, Dolly: An Original Musical, which is slated to release in Nashville later this year.

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)