Loretta Lynn made a special announcement during her performance at the Grand Ole Opry this week. She revealed plans for a Broadway musical adaptation of Coal Miner’s Daughter. Adding to the excitement, Loretta brought Zooey Deschanel on stage and told the audience she will be the star of the show.

Loretta Lynn asked me to do "coal miner's daughter" on broadway! I said YES! instagr.am/p/KeHjbxrjj2/—
zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) May 11, 2012

The reveal of actress/singer Zooey to play the role was similar to how, years ago, Loretta introduced another actress who portrayed her. CBS News reported that Loretta told the crowd “I don’t know if y’all remember when Sissy Spacek was with me. I brought her out here with me. She about fainted. We both fainted. She went on to do the ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ and you know from there. Well, there’s a little girl back stage that’s going to do the play of ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ on Broadway.“

Zooey told the crowd that “this is a great honor for me,” adding “this is my hero.” The duo then traded off on verses on the 1970 hit, Coal Miner’s Daughter.

Thanks to @theryman @opry and the city of Nashville for a great night! instagr.am/p/KeJNQwLjkk/—
zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) May 11, 2012

Zooey Deschanel is currently the star of the TV show New Girl and has starred in feature films including Elf, (500) Days of Summer, and Yes.

She also sings as part of the indie-pop duo She & Him, with singer/songwriter M. Ward.

The theatrical production of Coal Miner’s Daughter is still in the very early stages of development. The producers attached, Fox Theatricals and Scott Sanders Productions, have been behind the Broadway hits Legally Blonde, The Color Purple, Red and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Listen to Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn. The album features songs from Faith Hill, Kid Rock, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and more.

– Steve Wiseman / 99.5 WYCD