NEW YORK (AP) -- With some support from her friend Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton wants to be a movie star again.
Parton is working with Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Media Company to adapt the best-selling novel, which she co-wrote with James Patterson, "Run, Run Rose." Published in early March, the Nashville-based book focuses on a bond between an aspiring country singer and a retired country superstar, a character Parton has said during media interviews that she was looking forward to playing on the film.
"James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team," Parton said in a statement Monday.
Witherspoon, who grew up in Nashville and won an Oscar for playing country great June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line," said in a statement that Parton had long been one of her idols.
"Dolly Parton is not only an icon to me, but a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere," Witherspoon said. My admiration for him reached even greater heights when I read "Run, Rose, Run", an engrossing and heartwarming book I couldn't put down. I thank him and James for bringing this remarkable story to the screen. Couldn't have felt more honored to work with."
Parton has acted mostly in television in recent years, including a guest appearance on "Grace and Frankie", but also in the 1980s and 1990s such as "9 to 5," "Steel Magnolias" and "Straight Talk". Acted in feature films.