Dolly Parton shares tidbits of her life as a child with TV viewers on Thursday evening, as her story Coat of Many Colors airs on NBC. Starring Alyvia Alyn Lind as a young Dolly Parton, the story follows the tale told in Parton’s song of the same name.

In a recent interview with the Washington Times, Dolly Parton explained why she wanted this made-for-TV film made.

I can't believe it's almost here! Tune in tonight at 9/8c on @nbc to watch #CoatOfManyColors pic.twitter.com/SZiyMQCDas

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 10, 2015

“I always thought that “Coat of Many Colors” would make a beautiful film. I had been offered a lot of times to have it put on film. It just seemed to be the time to do it,” she said.

“I just think there are a lot of family things missing from television. I just wanted to do something faith-based for families, something they could enjoy together. So I think it’s time,” she added.

Dolly Parton gives an enthusiastic thumbs up to the finished product, too.

“It’s very touching, very emotional. I get so emotional I can’t hardly watch it. Getting a chance to see Momma and Daddy and my younger brothers and sister like it was when we were little. It was very overwhelming to Stella and me. We spent all day crying,” she said.

Never content behind the scenes, Dolly Parton plays a role in Coat of Many Colors, too.

“I’m playing the gossipy old church lady. I’m the first character you see in the film. I drive up and give her the box of rags that becomes the coat,” she said.

.@DollyParton on her childhood: 'We were rich in things that money don't buy' https://t.co/MVaIJJZOhj pic.twitter.com/I1Xg9hPYav

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) December 10, 2015

In addition to Dolly Parton and Alyvia Alyn Lind, Coat of Many Colors stars Jennifer Nettles and Ricky Schroeder.

Will you tune in on Thursday night to see Dolly Parton’s passion project, Coat of Many Colors? It sounds like a wonderfully wholesome family film–perfect for the Christmas season.