Dolly Parton Celebrates 80 Years by Reviving a Timeless Song With an All-Star Sisterhood

Dolly Parton is celebrating a milestone birthday by breathing new life into one of her most beloved songs. To mark her 80th birthday on January 19, the country legend revisited her 1976 classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” unveiling a newly recorded version that brings together an extraordinary group of female stars. The project not only honors five decades since the song was written, but also highlights the enduring message of hope that continues to resonate today.

Joining Parton on the reimagined track are Lainey Wilson, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and fellow country icon Reba McEntire. The new recording is accompanied by a music video that features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir providing rich background vocals. Together, the artists create a powerful and uplifting interpretation meant to encourage optimism, compassion, and resilience in challenging times.

The video opens with Parton addressing the uncertainty many people are feeling. “We’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” she says, urging viewers not to give in to despair. Queen Latifah echoes that sentiment by encouraging people to “wake up,” before Parton delivers the familiar yet timely reminder that brighter days are still ahead.

The arrangement begins gently, with soft piano notes setting a reflective tone before the singers’ voices gradually emerge. Each artist takes turns delivering lines filled with hope and renewal, eventually uniting in soaring harmonies that bring new emotional depth to the chorus. Their combined voices transform the song into a shared declaration of reassurance and strength.

Parton has shared that she originally wrote “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” during a period of personal change in her own life. Fifty years later, she revisits the song with renewed purpose, reshaping it as a celebration of perseverance and faith for a new generation. Produced by Dolly Parton and Kent Wells and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, the updated arrangement reinforces the idea that even after hardship, hope remains.

Reflecting on the release, Parton explained that the song’s message still feels deeply relevant. As she marks her 80th birthday, she sees this new version as a way to give back by sharing light and positivity alongside women she greatly admires.

Lainey Wilson, one of the collaborators, described the song as especially meaningful and said being invited to participate was an honor she does not take lightly. She spoke openly about how influential Parton has been throughout her career and how meaningful it was to be included in a project tied to such a timeless piece of music.

Wilson also shared how special it was to spend time with Parton in the studio, calling the experience unforgettable. She noted that every moment and every piece of advice from Parton felt invaluable, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one of country music’s most respected figures.

Continuing her long-standing commitment to philanthropy, Parton announced that all proceeds from the song and its accompanying music video will benefit the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. The organization has been a longtime cause close to her heart, making this release not only a musical celebration, but also an act of generosity and compassion.

With this collaborative reimagining, Dolly Parton once again proves that her music, her message, and her generosity continue to shine—fifty years on and still lighting the way forward.