Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton reimagined one of her classic 1970s ballads with an all-star team of artists.
Parton debuted her new version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” on Friday (January 16), five decades after she wrote the song in 1976. The original released in 1977. The Tennessee-born country legend teamed up with Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus (her goddaughter), Queen Latifah and Reba McEntire on the new rendition of the inspiring ballad, plus David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on background vocals. Proceeds from the newly-debuted recording and music video will support pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, Parton shared.
“I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ I can see the light of a brand new day/ I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ Everything's gonna be all right/ It's gonna be okay”
Parton originally wrote “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” 50 years ago, “during a period of personal transition and renewed optimism,” states a press release issued shortly after midnight ET. The song “has long stood as one of Parton’s most inspirational works. Now, five decades later, Dolly revisits the song for a new generation with a powerhouse lineup of female voices,” and offers “a message of spreading love and hope.”
“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and fifty years later that message still feels just as true,” Parton said in a statement. “As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”
Parton confirmed the collaboration’s release date earlier this week, shortly after hinting an announcement on the horizon. The powerful new “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” arrives days before the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s milestone 80th birthday on Monday (January 19). The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the occasion with its fourth annual Opry Goes Dolly show on Saturday (January 17). Wilson is part of the Opry Goes Dolly lineup, along with Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent and songwriter Trannie Anderson, who will make her Opry debut. This year’s event will celebrate Parton’s “iconic ‘80s era.”
“Well hey there, Grand Ole Opry family!” Parton, an Opry member since 1969, said in a recorded message when the Opry announced details for the show. “I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together again this year to celebrate my big ol’ birthday with some of my songs. Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. And I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love for sure. So, you have the best night ever.”
Watch the new “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” music video here: