Country music fans and Hallmark enthusiasts alike are in for a treat this holiday season with the premiere of “Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas,” a Hallmark Christmas movie inspired by the life of none other than country superstar Blake Shelton. The film is set to debut on Sunday, December 9, at 9 p.m. EST on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and its roots trace back to a sweet and personal connection between Blake and his mother, Dorothy Shackleford.
The heartwarming story behind the movie finds its origins in a 2012 song titled “Time for Me to Come Home,” co-written and recorded by Blake Shelton and his mother, Dorothy Shackleford. According to Dorothy, the collaboration happened when Blake sought her help for the second verse of the song.
“Blake was writing the song for his Christmas album and said he needed help with the second verse,” Dorothy shared with CountryLiving.com. “So I came up with the second verse, and that’s how the song was born.”
Not only did Dorothy contribute to the lyrics, but Blake also invited his mother to lend her voice to the country Christmas song. Reflecting on the experience, Dorothy admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, stating, “That thrilled me, but at the same time, it made me very nervous because I’m not a great singer.”
The mother-son duo even performed the song together for Blake’s Christmas special in 2012, creating cherished memories tied to the holiday season. Inspired by these real-life moments, Dorothy collaborated with Travis Thrasher to transform the lyrics into a novel, titled “Time for Me to Come Home,” released in 2013.
Now, five years later, Blake Shelton has taken the story from song to page to screen, co-executive producing the TV movie alongside Harvey Kahn, Orly Adelson, and Michael Shepard.
In the film, viewers will follow the story of Heath (played by Josh Henderson), a famous musician, and Cara (played by Megan Park), a small-town girl, as they find themselves stranded in Chicago while traveling back to Oklahoma for the holidays. Despite the stark contrast in their backgrounds, the two characters form a connection, with Cara inadvertently becoming Heath’s muse for the Christmas song he’s writing.
“Heath has some of Blake’s personality,” Dorothy explained. “He’s a little witty, and he’s a nice guy. Heath’s father has passed, and Blake’s father has passed in real life. There are bits and pieces of Blake in it. But mostly all fiction.”
Although the film is set in the U.S., it was filmed in various picturesque locations in British Columbia, Canada, including Langley, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Pitt Meadows, and Abbotsford.
As fans enjoy this heartwarming tale of love and inspiration, it’s clear that Blake Shelton’s artistic talents have deep roots in his family. Dorothy, herself a prolific songwriter, has collaborated with her son on numerous songs, showcasing a shared passion for music that has now translated into a collaborative venture in the world of cinema.
“Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas” promises to be a delightful addition to the holiday lineup, combining the magic of Hallmark with the personal touch of Blake Shelton’s real-life experiences. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a festive journey filled with love, music, and the spirit of the season.
