In a delightful homage to her enduring legacy, Dolly Parton has unveiled a star-studded rendition of her 1977 ballad, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Featuring an impressive lineup of Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, this new video breathes fresh life into the classic song. As Parton nears her 80th birthday, the project serves as both a celebration and a beacon of hope.
The video opens with Parton reminding viewers of the “troubled and uncertain times” we face. Queen Latifah echoes this sentiment, while Parton emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to darkness. The artists trade verses in a round-robin format, accompanied by David Foster on piano. The Christ Church Choir adds a gospel flair, culminating in an uplifting ensemble chorus. Parton concludes, reassuringly, “Everything’s gonna be all right. It’s gonna be OK.”
Parton teased her collaboration on Instagram, recalling the origins of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Written in 1976 during a pivotal period in her career, she crafted the song as a personal anthem of hope amidst her separation from longtime collaborator Porter Wagoner. “This time around, I’ve invited some very special women, some real ‘shining lights’ to help me bring that hope to life again,” Parton shared.
“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,” Parton noted. Proceeds from the new recording will benefit pediatric cancer research at Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, adding a philanthropic angle to the project.
Originally featured on Parton’s 18th studio album, New Harvest…First Gathering, the song uniquely blends country, pop, and gospel elements. Over the years, it has seen various iterations, including a pop rendition for the 1992 film Straight Talk and a piano ballad for her 2003 patriotic album, For God and Country. Notably, Miley Cyrus has her own connection to the song, having performed it on Saturday Night Live in 2021, dedicating the performance to mothers everywhere.
This latest version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” not only underscores Parton’s timeless appeal but also connects her iconic past with the present through these remarkable collaborations.
