Dolly Parton was brought to tears while filming biopic 'Coat of Many Colors'

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Country legend Dolly Parton spoke about the emotional experience she had while filming her upcoming TV biopic, Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors.

In an interview with The New York Post Sunday about the upcoming movie based on Parton's self-proclaimed favorite song, "Coat of Many Colors," Parton discussed how the song inspired the film and how she connected with star Alyvia Alyn Lind who plays young Dolly.

"Folks have been telling me since the '70s that "Coat of Many Colors" would make a good movie, and the timing finally felt right to me," Parton said of the hit country ballad based on her life. "We knew that with the right writers and cast, we could tell a story that could be very meaningful, especially at this time of year."

When Parton first saw Lind during the casting process, the singer admitted to crying due to her familiar resemblance to her family. "I did cry when I first saw her. I was so hopeful during the casting process that we would find somebody that I would feel was a kindred spirit," Parton said. "And then she bounced in the door and I knew instantly it was her. Besides the fact that she looks like my family, it was her spirit and energy that I connected with the most. She's a very special young lady."

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors, described as a "family-oriented faith-based story," will follow 9-year-old Dolly Parton and her family as she aspires to be a singer. The coat in question which was sewn by Parton's mother from a box of colorful rags will feature prominently in the movie as young Dolly's schoolmates tease her for wearing it.

The film is the first of several NBC will be producing alongside Parton based on her hit songs including "Jolene." Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors premieres Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. on NBC