In a world that often feels heavy with uncertainty and troubled times, Dolly Parton has delivered a timely reminder that the sun is about to shine. The country music icon is celebrating her milestone 80th birthday with a massive gift to her fans and a cause close to her heart. She has released a star-studded new rendition of her 1977 classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring an incredible lineup of powerhouse women: Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
This new version arrives exactly 50 years after Dolly first wrote the song in 1976. Originally penned during a time of major personal transition as she moved into her solo career, the track has always been a “song of deliverance” for Dolly. By bringing together her goddaughter Miley, longtime friends like Reba and Queen Latifah, and modern trailblazer Lainey Wilson, she has transformed the solo ballad into a soaring anthem of hope for a new generation.
The production is just as impressive as the vocal lineup, featuring legendary producer David Foster on piano and the Christ Church Choir providing a lush backdrop of gospel-infused vocals. Along with the single, a new music video has been released showing the women in the studio together, capturing the genuine bond and “banter” that Lainey Wilson recently teased in interviews about the recording process.
True to form, Dolly is using this moment to give back. All net proceeds from the song and the music video are being donated to pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
While Dolly has mentioned she won’t be attending the upcoming “Opry Goes Dolly” celebration in person this weekend due to her own recent health treatments, this release proves her spirit and voice are as strong as ever. It is the perfect kickoff to her birthday week and a beautiful reminder that “everything’s gonna be all right.”