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MULTI-PLATINUM COUNTRY MUSIC STAR TRACE ADKINS JOINS CAST IN LEADING ROLE ON FOX ENTERTAINMENT'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MIDSEASON DRAMA SERIES, "MONARCH"

All-New Country Music-Themed Family Drama, Wholly Owned and Financed by FOX Entertainment, Scheduled to Debut with Two-Night Premiere, Beginning Sunday, January 30, Immediately Following NFC Championship on FOX

Adkins to Play Family Patriarch, Joining Previously Announced Cast Members Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel

Multi-Platinum country music star and three-time Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award winner Trace Adkins has been cast in a leading role in MONARCH, FOX Entertainment's highly anticipated midseason drama from creator/executive producer Melissa London Hilfers, executive producer/showrunner Michael Rauch and executive producers Gail Berman, Hend Baghdady and Jason Owen. Adkins joins previously announced cast members Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel.

MONARCH is a Texas-sized, multi-generational musical drama about America's first family of country music. The series, 100%-owned by FOX Entertainment, debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 30, immediately following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP, and continuing on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

In MONARCH, "Texas Truthteller" and reigning King of Country Music ALBIE ROMAN (Adkins), along with his insanely talented, but tough as nails wife, Queen of Country Music DOTTIE CANTRELL ROMAN (Sarandon), have created a country music dynasty. But even though the Roman name is synonymous with authenticity, the very foundation of their success is a lie. And when their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, heir to the crown NICOLETTE "NICKY" ROMAN (Friel) will stop at nothing to protect her family's legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom.

In his 25-year career in country music, Trace Adkins has sold more than 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams. A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his country career to include film and TV acting. He broke out in 1996 with the debut album Dreamin' Out Loud, cracking the Top 5 of Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with "Every Light In the House Is On," and following with the #1 smash "This Ain't (No Thinkin' Thing)." Since then, Adkins has pioneered a mix of classic country-minded traditionalism and adventurous, good-natured showmanship, breaking open new avenues in modern country through fun-filled hits, such as "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" and "Hillbilly Bone" (with Blake Shelton). He'll celebrate the silver anniversary of his album debut in 2021 with The Way I Wanna Go, doing exactly what he always has - mixing pure-country reverence with standout collaborations, featuring Blake Shelton, Melissa Etheridge, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder on harmonica and more. Featuring Adkins' newest single, "Where The Country Girls At (feat. Luke Bryan & Pitbull)," the brand-new album The Way I Wanna Go, is available everywhere now.

MONARCH is produced by FOX Entertainment. Screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Michael Rauch ("Instinct," "Royal Pains") is an executive producer and showrunner. Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady (The Jackal Group) and top music manager Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment) also serve as executive producers. Jason Ensler ("The Passage") will direct and serve as a producer on the series premiere. The series will feature original music and covers.

-FOX-