Dolly Parton has gifted her fans a star-studded surprise ahead of her milestone 80th birthday on January 19, 2026. On January 13, 2026, the Queen of Country announced a fresh, collaborative re-recording of her classic 1977 anthem “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring an all-female powerhouse lineup: Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire. The new version is set to drop this Friday, January 16, 2026, and excitement is already building across social media and country music circles.
The announcement came via Parton’s social media channels, where she shared cover art and a heartfelt message: “Coming this Friday 💛 A new rendition of my song ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ featuring @laineywilson, @MileyCyrus, @IAMQUEENLATIFAH and @reba. Pre-save now! Proceeds from this recording and music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.” The post quickly garnered massive engagement, with fans and fellow artists expressing anticipation and support.
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” first appeared on Parton’s 1977 album New Harvest… First Gathering, serving as one of its lead singles. The uplifting track, written by Parton herself, became a symbol of hope and renewal during a transitional period in her career. After parting ways with longtime musical and business partner Porter Wagoner, Parton described the song as her “song of deliverance,” reflecting the figurative clouds lifting and the promise of brighter days ahead. It reached No. 11 on the U.S. country chart, No. 4 in Canada, and even cracked the Billboard Hot 100, marking her shift toward mainstream pop success.
Over the years, Parton has revisited the song multiple times: she re-recorded it for the soundtrack of her 1992 film Straight Talk, and included a version on her 2003 patriotic and religious album For God and Country. This latest rendition, however, stands out as her most expansive collaboration yet. The track features legendary producer David Foster on piano and backing vocals from The Christ Church Choir, adding orchestral depth and a choral uplift that enhances the song’s inspirational message: “I’ve been looking for the sunshine / You know, I ain’t seen it in so long / Everything’s gonna work out just fine / Everything’s gonna be all right.”
The featured artists represent diverse eras and genres, each with a meaningful connection to Parton. Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, has collaborated with her before, including a powerful cover of Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar. Lainey Wilson, a rising country star and vocal admirer of Parton (she even has a song titled “WWDD” – What Would Dolly Do?), shares her first studio collaboration here. Reba McEntire, a longtime friend and fellow country icon, brings timeless harmony, while Queen Latifah adds a fresh, soulful dimension from her background in hip-hop, acting, and music.
The timing feels especially poignant. The song’s themes of hope emerging from darkness align with Parton’s recent personal reflections, and the release arrives just days before her 80th birthday. The Grand Ole Opry is planning a special “Opry Goes Dolly” celebration on January 17 to honor her iconic ’80s era, featuring performances from various artists (including some from this collaboration), though Parton herself will not attend in person. The proceeds from the recording and accompanying music video will support pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, continuing Parton’s longstanding philanthropy through initiatives like her Imagination Library and cancer research efforts.
Fans and artists alike have reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm. Lainey Wilson commented on Parton’s post, “So excited for y’all to hear this 🤩,” while Reba McEntire shared the news on her Instagram Stories with a simple “OUT FRIDAY!” The announcement has sparked widespread discussion about the power of women in music, intergenerational collaboration, and the enduring relevance of Parton’s uplifting anthems.
As Friday approaches, anticipation continues to build. This new rendition promises to blend the timeless optimism of the original with fresh vocal textures, creating a modern celebration of resilience, hope, and sisterhood. In a world that often feels uncertain, Dolly Parton and her all-star collaborators are delivering a message that everything’s gonna be all right—proving once again why her music remains a beacon of light.
Pre-save the track now, and get ready for a Friday that will lift spirits across the globe. The Queen of Country is shining brighter than ever, and this star-studded version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” is the perfect way to kick off her milestone year.
