Dolly Parton’s last recorded voice will appear on U2’s new album. The legendary country singer recorded a duet with Bono for the band’s upcoming record, Carnaval de Luz, and the song serves as the album’s closing track.
Bono revealed the news in an interview with Rolling Stone published Thursday. He said Parton recorded the song in June, and that she got out of her bed to sing it after falling ill.
Bono’s Tribute
“She sang her heart out,” Bono told Rolling Stone. “And I cannot believe that’s an 80-year-old woman.”
He added that the dedication shows in the recording. “And you can hear that,” he said. “And I can’t even listen to it now.”
How the Song Came Together
Parton first came to Bono through an invitation to collaborate on an unreleased side project inspired by Irish folk music. She turned it down, telling him it was “a little too Irish for me.”
Instead, she introduced “Torn” to Bono. The song’s lyrics were written by Bono and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid. Parton shares writing credits for the track with both artists.
The album’s producer, Garret “Jacknife” Lee, said Parton approved the final mix and was “proud of her vocal and recording.”
The Album Details
Carnaval de Luz is U2’s 16th studio album. It marks the first album of new material from the band in nine years, according to a press release.
The record is due out Nov. 13, 2026.
Why Parton Chose This Project
Parton declined Bono’s initial offer of a folk-inspired side project, saying it was “a little too Irish for me.” Instead she brought “Torn” to him, and the song became the result of their collaboration.
The Writing Credits
- Dolly Parton
- Bono
- Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol
Parton shares writing credits for the track with both artists.
The Producer’s Role
Garret “Jacknife” Lee produced the album. He said Parton approved the final mix and was “proud of her vocal and recording.”
The Closing Track
“Torn” closes the album. Parton’s recording stands as her final vocal contribution to appear on the album.
A Last Record
Parton’s recording of “Torn” stands as her final vocal contribution to appear on the album. That makes the song a marker in her career, not just a track on a U2 album.
The Legacy
Parton’s last recorded voice appearing on a U2 album is a fitting end. It brings together two careers, spanning decades of music, on one track.
See the a run of 16 images at ABC News.
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