Dolly Parton's autobiographical classic “Coat of Many Colors” has inspired many people, not only through the song itself, but also its recent film based on the tune. Now, the iconic song's message will reach a younger audience with a new children's book.

"Every year I receive dozens of letters and emails from teachers talking about how they use the song in their classroom to discuss being proud of who you are, that being different is not a bad thing, that every person is special and the terrible consequences of being bullied," Parton says in a statement, issued through her publisher. "It has always made me feel honored that my little song has been used in this way."

The book — slated for release Oct. 18 — will also include a new downloadable song called "Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny." Parton has a passion for literacy, as she established her Imagination Library foundation, which makes books available for every child in Tennessee for free.

Coat of Many Colors, the movie which starred Jennifer Nettles as Parton’s mother, detailed a difficult summer her family weathered during Parton’s childhood and aired last year on NBC. The film achieved a network record of more than 15.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched movie on network TV in three years. It was also recently released on DVD.

Parton recently launched a major world tour, Dolly Parton: Pure & Simple, her first comprehensive U.S. tour in 20 years. It coincides with the release of a new two-disc greatest hits album with the same title.

Dolly Parton on Her 50-Year Marriage Renewal

See Pictures of Dolly Parton Through the Years

More From US 104.9