Music icon Dolly Parton has just released a stunning new collaboration featuring Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah and Lainey Wilson, marking one of the most star-studded musical moments of the year. The track is a fresh rendition of Parton’s classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” originally released in 1977, and it arrives ahead of her milestone 80th birthday on 19 January 2026.
The song’s new version — out now alongside an official music video — brings together a powerhouse lineup of female voices across genres and generations. Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, adds her distinctive voice to the heartfelt country ballad, while Reba McEntire, one of country music’s most revered stars, Queen Latifah, whose career spans hip-hop, film and television, and Lainey Wilson, herself a leading force in modern country music, contribute harmonies that lend fresh depth to the song’s timeless message.
Originally written during a period of personal change and optimism, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” has long stood as one of Parton’s most inspirational songs, celebrating hope after hardship. In announcing the release, Parton reflected on the song’s enduring meaning: “I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and fifty years later that message still feels just as true,” she said. “As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”
The collaboration also channels Parton’s lifelong commitment to giving back. Net proceeds from the single and its music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, a cause close to her heart.
The accompanying music video was teased on Parton’s Instagram ahead of its release, and has already begun to circulate widely across social media. Featuring the artists in both performance and reflective moments, the visuals underscore the song’s message of strength and renewal. The track also features arrangements by legendary producer David Foster on piano and backing vocals from The Christ Church Choir, adding a rich musical backdrop to the singers’ performances.
For Miley Cyrus, this marks another meaningful collaboration with her godmother following their previous duet work.
@mileyhearts Wrecking Ball + I Will Always Love You, Miley Cyrus e Dolly Parton #mileycyrus #dollyparton #iwillalwaysloveyou #wrekcingball ♬ som original - MileyHearts
Reba McEntire continues to affirm her status as one of country music’s most enduring voices. Queen Latifah, who starred alongside Parton in the 2012 film Joyful Noise, brings her charismatic presence to the mix, and Lainey Wilson, fresh off her own acclaimed work in country, adds contemporary flair.
Ultimately, this release stands as a celebration of Parton’s legacy and spirit — a shining testament to the power of collaboration and the universal strength found in music. With the single out now and the video gaining attention, fans around the world are revisiting a classic through an inspiring, cross-generational lens.
