Bristol Palin to play teen mom on 'Secret Life'

Bristol Palin, whose unplanned pregnancy became a national news story that engulfed her mother's vice-presidential campaign in 2008, is bringing her experience as a teen mom to bear on the small screen, the Los Angeles Times reports.

ABC Family announced yesterday that Bristol, the oldest daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, will play herself on an episode of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," a drama about a teenager who becomes pregnant.

"Bristol Palin is the most famous teenage mother in America," executive producer Brenda Hampton said in a statement. "We're thrilled to have her join us, and I think she will bring additional attention to the issues facing teen parents that we've been exploring for a couple of seasons now."

"I am thrilled to be on this show and to be a part of a program that educates teens and young adults about the consequences of teen pregnancy," Bristol Palin said.

The episode, which airs this summer, will feature Bristol Palin as a friend of Amy (Shailene Woodley) attending a music program for teen mothers.

Meanwhile, Sarah Palin will be among Jay Leno's guests when he resumes hosting "The Tonight Show" next week. She's scheduled for Tuesday's show, along with Olympic skateboarder Shaun White.