The final vocals of Dolly Parton, who passed away in August, have debuted online with the premiere of U2‘s latest album, Carnaval de Luz. One of the tracks, “Torn,” final recorded vocal performance of the beloved icon.
The track is now officially available online.
Parton’s social media pages marked the track’s release by sharing a note from the “Jolene” singer to U2 frontman Bono, in which she described her thoughts on the song after recording it.
“Hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things,” Parton wrote. “Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special. Thanks for including me in your life. I’ve always loved you and always will.”
U2 fans had waited nine years for an album of new music, so every detail about Carnaval de Luz was scrutinized. Back in September, the album’s official track list brought unexpected delight to Parton fans.
The late singer was listed as a featured artist on the album’s final track, “Torn.” The accompanying announcement described her contribution as “what has sadly turned out to be her last recorded vocal performance.” The track, described as “a tender country song detailing broken family ties that holds wider resonances,” is credited as a composition by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bono said of Parton’s recording: “When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song. And you can hear that. And I can’t even listen to it now. … She sang her heart out, and I cannot believe that’s an 80-year-old woman.”
As far as the Grammys are concerned, “Torn” wouldn’t be eligible until the 2028 ceremony. When voting comes around next fall, the song’s pedigree could make it a contender.
Parton won 10 Grammys in her lifetime, and U2 holds claim to 22. If “Torn” winds up in the country categories, as the press release suggests it might, that would further its chances, placing two of music’s biggest names in a genre category that sees less crossover with the mainstream voting bloc.
And even if Recording Academy members would be potentially voting more than a year after Parton’s passing, the immensity of the loss could make honoring the Queen of Country one final time especially meaningful.
