The legendary voice of American country icon Dolly Parton has returned for one final musical appearance months after her death. On Friday, November 13, U2 released their 16th studio album, titled “Carnaval de Luz” (“Carnival of Light”), which concludes with a poignant duet between the band's lead singer, Bono, and Parton titled “Torn.” The release serves as a final farewell to the 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, who passed away from cancer on August 25 at the age of 80.
Recorded in Nashville in June, “Torn” stands as Parton's last recorded vocal performance. The song is a country-style ballad focusing on broken family ties. While the track initially centered on a woman torn between two men, it was reworked by Bono and Irish singer-songwriter Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol to reflect the emotional divisions within a family split by political beliefs. The song begins with gentle hums from Parton, transitioning into soft and then powerful vocals with lyrics that evoke deep passion and the struggle of choice: “I can’t deny this passion and desire, but I know it has to burn me... And how am I supposed to choose? I love ‘em both and I just feel so torn.”
The collaboration came about after U2 sought various collaborations for the project. According to lead guitarist The Edge, the band had considered working with Parton while experimenting with several folk-inspired songs. Bono recounted that he initially played a song called “Lifelong” to her over the phone, but Parton felt it was “a little too Irish” for her current voice. Instead, she suggested the song “Torn,” telling Bono he could take the track in whatever direction he wished. Bono later noted that “Torn” felt like the appropriate song to close the “Carnaval de Luz” album.
The recording process was marked by Parton's determination despite her failing health. Speaking to Rolling Stone for U2's September cover story, Bono revealed that Parton physically pushed herself to perform the piece, stating, “When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song. And you can hear that.” Bono admitted the emotional weight of the recording is such that he currently finds it difficult to listen to the track.
Parton expressed her excitement and affection for the project shortly before her passing. In a message dated June 2 shared by her official Instagram account in a joint post with U2, she wrote to Bono: “Hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things. Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special.” She concluded the note by thanking him for including her in his life and affirming her lasting love for him. Producer Jacknife Lee further mentioned to a music magazine that Parton was deeply proud of her vocals and the final recording result.
In addition to the version appearing on U2's album, two other versions of the song were released on Friday, including a more traditional arrangement produced by Kent Wells, a long-time collaborator of Dolly Parton.
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Update
Bono describes Dolly Parton as the 'antidote' to modern social division
During an interview on BBC Radio 2's 'Track Of My Years With Vernon Kay', Bono explained that the band sought a unifying element for the album to address the current state of the outside world. Describing the present era as a 'fractious time' where disagreement often leads to being viewed as an enemy, he referred to Parton as the 'penicillin' and the 'antidote' to such social division. Bono revealed that Parton originally started the song 'Torn' and gave the band permission to take it in any direction they desired. U2 subsequently transformed the track into what Bono described as a 'sci-fi country soundscape,' departing significantly from Parton's original version. Reflecting on the collaboration, Bono jokingly suggested that Parton might have been 'really smart' by getting the band to finish one of her old songs, while simultaneously praising her as one of the greatest songwriters to have ever lived. [2]
Bono further clarified that the track centers on the story of two brothers who no longer speak to each other. [2]
Expressing disbelief at Parton's strength during the sessions, Bono remarked that he could not believe the powerhouse vocals were delivered by an 80-year-old woman. Bono described the experience of having such intimacy with a legendary figure as 'very moving,' noting that it is 'sobering' to realize that her songs are now the only way to call her back. [2]
Separately, U2 announced their 'Greatest Show On Earth' tour, which is scheduled to begin in February 2027 with a series of concerts in Latin and South America, followed by a European leg in April. The upcoming tour will include four shows at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 18, 19, 22, and 25. Regarding the setlist, The Edge stated on 'Track Of My Years' that while the process will involve trial and error, the band will definitely play their classics. He anticipates that the show will feature more old material than new work, rather than consisting of two-thirds new material. Bono mentioned that the band is still 'finishing' their older songs in their heads, while bassist Adam Clayton observed that their material takes on different meanings at various stages of life. Clayton added that unlike some artists who grow to dislike their old work, he does not feel that way about U2's songs, suggesting that the audience now owns about 85% of the music, while the band retains 25% (with their DNA still embedded). [2]
Released on Friday, 'Carnaval De Luz' marks U2's first album of new material in nine years and contains 12 tracks. Since their formation in Dublin in 1976, U2 has become known for integrating rock music with social commentary, human rights advocacy, and political activism. The band's current line-up includes drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Over their five-decade career, U2 has achieved 22 Grammy Awards, eight Brit Awards, and two Golden Globes, alongside 11 number one albums and seven number one singles in the UK. [2]
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