Sutton Foster Will Play Loretta Lynn in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ Musical

The life of Loretta Lynn is headed to Broadway. On Tuesday, it was announced that Sutton Foster will play the late country legend in an upcoming musical based on Lynn’s film and book titled Coal Miner’s Daughter.

The musical will delve into “Loretta’s rise from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to country music legend” and feature songs from across her career and stories from “Loretta’s life beyond the film’s ending,” according to a press release.

The book inspired a 1980 film titled Coal Miner’s Daughter starring Sissy Spacek, which earned her a Best Actress Oscar. Lynn died at age 90 in 2022. The new Broadway adaptation will instead feature direction from Sam Gold and composer Jeanine Tesori leading the music after working together on Tony-winning Fun Home. Lynn’s daughter Patsy and advisor Nancy Russell have joined as consulting producers on the project.

“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,” said Lynn’s family, adding that the singer approved of Foster’s casting. (This is Foster’s 15th Broadway credit.)

“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,” read the statement. “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.”