All in the Family for Dolly Parton and Jennifer Nettles

1 ^{of 5} Jennifer Nettles and the cast of "Coat of Many Colors"

“For a long time I’ve been missing shows that are family- and faith-based,” Dolly said. “For years I have wanted to make a movie based on a song that tells a true story from my childhood. I wanted to honor my father and mother and show the kind of people and family we were and are. I am very proud of my family and wanted to show how love and faith can carry us through any hardships in life.”

2 ^{of 5} Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder and Alyvia Lind

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be in a movie about the queen of country music, let alone play the mother who was such an inspiration to her,” says Jennifer, who remembers, when she was a young girl, singing to Dolly’s songs when they came on the radio.

3 ^{of 5} Jennifer Nettles and Alyvia Lee share a tender moment

Jennifer immersed herself in the script and read up on Dolly’s family and her childhood to prepare for the role. Before filming began she met with Dolly and asked,“Is there anything about your mom that you want to tell me? I want to make sure I do right by her.” Dolly grabbed both of Jennifer’s hands and said, “I’ll tell it to you like this. My mama was me without the glitter.” Jennifer told us that was the best direction she could ever have received. 

4 ^{of 5} The principal cast of “Coat of Many Colors”

“On our first day of shooting the movie, Dolly’s sister Stella [on far left in photo], who’s in the movie, led us in a prayer,” Jennifer said. “It was a beautiful way to bring the cast and crew together.”

5 ^{of 5} Jennifer hosting the 2014 "CMA Country Christmas" TV special

Like Dolly, Jennifer grew up in the South and sang in her church at a young age. “Some of my earliest memories are of my mom singing hymns and praise songs to me. The music stirred something in me. We were active at Carver Baptist Church in Georgia. I was six years old when I sang my very first solo there in the Christmas play. That was my big break as a singer!” 

For more about Jennifer and her upcoming solo album, visit jennifernettles.com, and look for her story, The Greatest Gift, in the December 2015 issue of Guideposts.