Dolly Parton’s reported final vocal performance will feature on U2’s upcoming album Carnaval De Luz, with the country music icon appearing alongside Bono on a track titled “Torn.”
According to the supplied announcement from Interscope, Parton recorded the song in June while dealing with health concerns, before her reported death at the age of 80 in August.
The label said “Torn” will be released on November 12. The collaboration reportedly began after Bono contacted Parton about an Irish folk-inspired project.
Parton developed the idea into “Torn,” which Bono and songwriter Johnny McDaid subsequently reworked around themes of family strength during adversity, according to Interscope.
Bono Reflects on Parton’s Final Studio Work
Bono reportedly discussed the collaboration in a recent Rolling Stone interview, recalling Parton’s determination while completing the recording.
Carnaval De Luz is described as U2’s first full-length studio album of new material since the band released Songs of Experience in 2017.
The project will explore spirituality, friendship and perseverance, while producer Jacknife Lee has overseen its creation.
Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, Daniel Lanois and Ryan Tedder are also among the musicians and producers reportedly involved.
Meanwhile, U2 has launched the album cycle with its first official single, “Silencio,” on digital streaming platforms.
Parton Built Career Beyond Country Music
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton rose from a large working-class family in the Smoky Mountains to become one of country music’s most recognisable performers.
Her catalogue includes “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
Beyond music, Parton built the Dollywood entertainment business and established the Imagination Library, which distributes books to children.
If confirmed as her final studio performance, “Torn” would add a posthumous collaboration with U2 to Parton’s decades-long recording legacy.
