Zooey Deschanel to Star in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ Musical

Zooey Deschanel (aka the Queen of Quirky) has won over many television viewers with her role on 'New Girl,' but she'll also soon be charming audiences on the Great White Way, thanks to Loretta Lynn. The country legend handpicked the actress and singer to play the lead in the Broadway version of Lynn's life story.

Lynn announced the news Thursday night from Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium during Opry Country Classics, after which Deschanel joined her on stage to sing 'Coal Miner's Daughter.'

The music icon has a pretty good track record for casting, considering her involvement in the 1980 screen adaption of her best-selling 1976 autobiography. Back then she chose Sissy Spacek to play the lead, which earned the celeb an Oscar for Best Actress.

"It's a long way from Butcher Holler to Broadway in New York City," Lynn said in a statement. "I never imagined I'd see 'Coal Miner's Daughter' on a movie screen, and now I can't believe it's going to be on a stage for people to see."

As for Deschanel, she's thrilled. "Loretta Lynn and her music have been inspirations for me for as long as I can remember. She is a true legend and to be chosen to play such an iconic woman is a dream come true."

No opening date has yet been announced, but fans of 'New Girl' needn't worry themselves. The producers of the hit FOX sitcom say the musical won't interfere with Deschanel's TV time.

Whenever the curtain goes up, Lynn says, "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!"