Dolly Parton
will co-star in an upcoming feature film,
Joyful Noise, with Queen
Latifah. In the film, Parton and Latifah will try to save a small-town gospel choir threatened by budget cuts. Latifah will
portray the mother of two teenagers who is put in charge of the choir after its director's death. Parton will play the director's
widow, who also hopes to lead the choir. In addition, Parton is composing a few songs for the movie, which will be written
and directed by Todd Graff for Alcon Entertainment. No production or release dates have been announced. Parton's acting credits
include
Straight Talk,
Steel Magnolias,
9 to 5 and
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. "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," she
said.
