Dolly Parton’s Final Vocal Performance Features on U2 Song

Dolly Parton’s final recorded vocal performance is featured on “Torn,” a collaboration with U2 set for release on November 13. The song appears on the band’s 16th studio album, “Carnaval de Luz,” and portrays a mother watching her family split apart. Parton and Bono sing about the pain of loved ones divided, with one lyric describing a family at war.

Parton recorded the track in Nashville in June. She co-wrote it with U2 and songwriter Johnny McDaid, and was involved in shaping the song. Bono and U2 bassist Adam Clayton described her contribution as a powerful performance and a fitting closing statement. Bono said he and McDaid revised the lyrics with Parton in mind.

Parton died of cancer on August 25, aged 80. In a note dated June 2, she told Bono she had tried several ideas and believed the song could become something special. The note, shared on her social media page on November 11, ended with a reference to her song “I Will Always Love You.” Bono said he had known she was ill but had not understood how seriously. He said Parton got out of bed to record the song, and that listening to it is now difficult for him.