The Boot News Roundup: Kellie Pickler to Star in New Hallmark Channel Movie + More

Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

Kellie Pickler is starring in a brand-new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. Titled The Mistletoe Secret, the new film is about a writer named Aria Eubank (played by Pickler), who returns to her Utah hometown to write a story and ends up in a love triangle. Patrick Duffy and Tyler Hynes also star in the movie. The Mistletoe Secret -- Pickler's third for Hallmark, following Christmas at Graceland and Wedding at Graceland -- is set to premiere on Nov. 10 at 8PM ET. -- AM

John Moreland has a new album coming in 2020, titled LP5. For the first time, Moreland worked with an outside producer, Matt Pence, on the project; Pence's resume includes work with Jason Isbell and the Breeders, among others. LP5 is set for release on Feb. 7 via Old Omens / Thirty Tigers. -- AM

Americana trio the Lone Bellow also have new music planned for 2020. Half Moon Light will be the band's fourth full-length effort, and their first since 2017. Set for release on Feb. 7, the 15-track album was produced by Aaron Dessner, known for his work with the National. To coincide with Half Moon Light's release, the Lone Bellow have also announced a U.S. tour that will begin on Feb. 12 in Los Angels, Calif. -- AM

Condolences to Jimmy Wayne, whose mother died on Tuesday (Oct. 22). "She lived a very hard life. I am shocked and completely heartbroken," writes Wayne on social media. Wayne's mother suffered from severe bipolar disorder, and the singer and his sister spent much of their childhood in foster care and shelters, or homeless, an experience he details in his book Walk to Beautiful. Nonetheless, Wayne maintained a relationship with his mom as an adult. "She still suffers from her illness and feels less than anyone around her; that's what makes me love on her more," he shared in 2015. "Forgiveness is important. We miss so much otherwise." -- AS

Pedal steel legend Sonny Curtis has died. According to the Tennessean, the legendary Nashville musician passed away on Oct. 11, after an extensive battle with Alzheimer’s disease, at the age of 83. In the 1960s, Curtis rose to fame as a sideman for George Jones and Tammy Wynette, then later played with Wynette’s band after the couple split. Curtis is survived by his wife, Barbara. -- AM