Zooey Deschanel Heading to Broadway

Actress will play country music icon Loretta Lynn in the new musical Coal Miner's Daughter

By Peter Gicas May 11, 2012 5:24 PMTags
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New Girl Zooey Deschanel has got a new gig.

The adorkable actress is set to play Loretta Lynn in the Broadway-bound musical Coal Miner's Daughter.

The country music legend herself made the announcement on Thursday from the stage of the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville during Opry Country Classics.

Deschanel, whom Lynn personally chose to portray her, then appeared, joining the singer in a duet of her signature song, "Coal Miner's Daughter."

"It's a long way from Butcher Holler to Broadway in New York City. I never imagined I'd see Coal Miner's Daughter on a movie screen," Lynn said referring to the 1980 film that won Sissy Spacek a Best Actress Oscar for her performance. "Now I can't believe it's going to be on a stage for people to see. I'm going to be right there in the front row. And I know Zooey is going to be great—she sings and writes her own songs just like I do, and we even have the same color eyes!"

Deschanel, too, expressed her admiration.

"Loretta Lynn and her music have been inspirations for me for as long as I can remember," the actress said. "She is a true legend, and to be chosen to play such an iconic woman is a dream come true."

While an opening date has yet to be announced, the production schedule will not conflict with Deschanel's current commitment to her Fox series.