Jamie Lee Curtis to Narrate Book On Diane Foley, Mother of Journalist James Foley (Exclusive)

Jamie Lee Curtis will narrate the audiobook for Colum McCann and Diana Foley’s upcoming book. The Oscar-winning actress, 65, will lend her voice to the audio edition American mother, which will be published by Etruscan Press this spring. The book shares the story of Diane, whose son, journalist James Foley, was kidnapped and killed while on assignment in Syria in 2014.

IN American mother, Diane looks back at James’ life, from his childhood to his career as a freelance war reporter. In 2012, while working in Syria, James was captured and held hostage by ISIS. In 2014, he was killed by an extremist group, which published a video of his execution on the Internet.

Colum McCann’s ‘American Mother’ with Diane Foley.

Etruscan printing

“I am honored to bring Diane’s story to life,” Curtis says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Many are familiar with Jim’s kidnapping and brutal beheading 10 years ago. It was broadcast all over the world and has become one of the iconic photos of our time. But few know the true story of how this ordinary mother of five, former nurse and literal force of nature took the worst imaginable event in her life and turned it into a powerful act of grace.”

James Foley’s parents: His courage was the answer to our prayers

The book will also detail what the Foley family went through while James was incarcerated, as well as Diane’s encounter with one of the men who killed him. Diane, who quit her job as a nurse to advocate for her son’s release in 2013, founded the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in 2014. The organization advocates for Americans wrongfully detained abroad and for the safety of journalists and international travelers , according to their website. “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Jim’s horrific public murder,” Diane said in a statement. “Over 100 innocent Americans have been freed since 2014, but international kidnappings continue as fellow Americans are targeted and captured in Gaza, Russia, China, Iran, Syria and around the world. I am very grateful to Jamie Lee for so generously helping to tell Jim’s story and continue his legacy of kindness.”

By Colum McCann and Diane Foley.

Elizabeth Eagle; The Foley Foundation

“There is no better voice to tell Diane’s story with grace and humility than Jamie Lee,” adds McCann.

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James’ story was also shared in a 2016 documentary Jim: The Story of James Foleywhich featured Sting’s Oscar-nominated song “Empty Chair”.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“There were many times I read this book out loud that I had to stop and literally sob,” continues Curtis. “But then Diane somehow found the words and hope to keep me going. Ultimately this is a work of great faith and redemption. And here is a woman who makes the whole world available to all of us.”American mother will be published on March 5, 2024 in print and audiobook format.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education