After over 50 years in music, Dolly Parton is now a real rock star. The cherished country legend is finally putting out her long-awaited rock album called “Rockstar,” and she’s teaming up with some of the biggest names in music history to do it.
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Dolly just released the latest single from her album, a cover of The Beatles’ timeless song “Let it Be.” Many have covered this beloved tune before, but this one is extra special because it features both living Beatles, Sirs Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr!
Few artists can bring together arguably the greatest band ever, but Dolly did it. Although Paul and Ringo have worked together occasionally, having them both on board is still a major achievement.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Sir Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney attend the Disney Original Documentary’s “If These Walls Could Sing” London Premiere at Abbey Road Studios on December 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+)
And if having two Beatles wasn’t enough, the song also includes Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood on drums, making it a truly star-studded recording.
The spiritual, gospel-inspired song is a great match for the 77-year-old country icon, and Dolly gives it her all in her performance — have a listen:
The song has received praise from both critics and fans of Dolly Parton and The Beatles.
One YouTube comment reads, “I got goosebumps from the first few words… by halfway through I was in tears! Thank you, Dolly, Paul, Ringo, and everyone involved in this incredible recording!”
Another comment says, “Great version of an iconic song by the legends themselves! A lively and powerful rendition. Thanks to all!!”
And another emotional comment reads, “No words… just tears… amazing… so much gratitude to these incredible legends for bringing this inspiring piece to a new generation. ‘Let it Be’ is exactly what this world needs right now.”
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“Let it Be,” first released in 1970, remains one of the Beatles’ most cherished and inspiring songs. Although credited to Lennon-McCartney, Paul McCartney wrote it after dreaming about his mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, who passed away when he was 14.
Recorded during the band’s famous yet turbulent “Get Back” sessions, it served as the Beatles’ final single before their breakup in 1970. The song also lent its name to their last album, adding a bittersweet connection to the band’s farewell.
Dolly Parton’s album, Rockstar, is set to be released on November 17. She first hinted at making a rock album last year when she turned down her nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Dolly said she hadn’t “earned the right” to be inducted because she hadn’t made a rock & roll album yet.
“I hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and consider me again if I ever deserve it,” she wrote. “This has inspired me to finally make a rock ‘n’ roll album, which I’ve always wanted to do!” She also mentioned that her husband is a “total rock ‘n’ roll fan.”
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Parton stayed on the ballot and was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which she accepted. True to her promise, she started working on a new rock album, which she officially announced last November.
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Rockstar will have some new songs written by Dolly, but mostly it features covers of classic rock songs, often with the original artists joining in.
The track list includes:
- “Every Breath You Take” featuring Sting
- “Baby, I Love Your Way” with Peter Frampton
- “Heart of Glass” with Debbie Harry
- “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” with Elton John
- “Free Bird” with Lynyrd Skynyrd
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Besides “Let It Be,” Dolly has released two other singles from the album: an original song called “World on Fire” and a cover of Queen’s “We Are the Champions”/“We Will Rock You,” which also promotes the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She’s also put out two more songs from the album: a new song called “Bygones” and a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man” featuring Ann Wilson.
Please share this story if you’re excited for Dolly’s new rock album!
