Dolly Parton News

Dolly released an official statement today on her upcoming Joyful Noise movie with Queen Latifah, revealing that she will be writing several songs to be included in the film. “I’m writing a few songs for the movie…I’m so happy to be doing a movie about music–especially happy because it’s Gospel music which I grew up singing and loving. I think we need something uplifting in this day in time! So yep, happy, happy, happy–that’s me.” On getting to work with Queen Latifah, Dolly said, “I’m really happy to be doing a movie with Queen Latifah. I really like her and have often thought we would be fun together. Even though we play rivals in the movie, I’m sure we’ll have our fun behind the scenes.”

In related movie news, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported over the weekend that Joyful Noise will be filmed in Atlanta. Ace Showbiz also reported that the movie is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2012.

Dolly will be starring with Queen Latifah in a new gospel-choir feature film titled “Joyful Noise” from Warner Brothers-based Alcon Entertainment. Written and directed by Todd Graff, the “story centers on an unlikely partnership between two strong-minded women who are forced to work together to save a small town gospel choir after budget cuts threaten to shut them down.” Dolly plays the widow of the choir’s director whose untimely death forces her to partner with Latifah’s character to get the choir ready for a national competition in hopes of saving the choir program. Production on “Joyful Noise” will begin in January. No other details have been released at this time. Read the full article from Variety.