Country music fans and music lovers alike are buzzing with excitement as Dolly Parton just dropped a breathtaking new version of her classic song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” — and this time she brought some truly iconic friends along for the journey.
Released on January 16, 2026, the collaborative reimagining features powerhouse talents Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah, with legendary producer David Foster on piano and backing vocals from The Christ Church Choir.
Originally written and released in 1977, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” has long been one of Dolly’s most inspiring and uplifting songs — a message of emerging from dark times into clarity and hope.
Nearly 50 years later, Parton chose this track as the centerpiece of her 80th birthday celebration, giving it new life with a star-studded lineup that spans generations of artists. She shared on social media that the collaboration was her “gift” to the world — something uplifting for these “troubled and uncertain times.”
“Well hey there, it’s Dolly and I’ve made it! I’m 80 years old… what do you give somebody that’s 80? You give things!” — Dolly Parton on Instagram.
Dolly didn’t just re-imagine this song for fans — she turned it into a meaningful philanthropic moment. All net proceeds from the single and its music video are being donated to support pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
Alongside the release, Dolly shared a beautiful music video that mixes candid studio moments with sweeping shots of the artists behind the mic, laughing, encouraging one another, and channeling the song’s uplifting message. It’s as much a celebration of friendship and collaboration as it is of music.
