Fans of Dolly Parton will get to hear her final song on U2’s upcoming album, Carnaval de Luz.
“When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song,” lead singer Bono told Rolling Stone of recording the album’s closing track, “Torn,” with Parton in June — two months before her death at age 80.
“And you can hear that,” the vocalist, 66, continued. “And I can’t even listen to it now.”
Bono then recalled reaching out to Parton to collaborate on a still-unreleased side project inspired by Irish folk music.
“She said, ‘That’s a little too Irish for me,’” he shared. “But she said, ‘I got this song. It’s called “Torn,” and do you wanna see where you can take it somewhere else, maybe?’”
Working with Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, who shares a writing credit on the track with Parton and U2, Bono rewrote the lyrics to center on a mother watching her family split apart.
“She sang her heart out, and I cannot believe that’s an 80-year-old woman,” Bono told the outlet.
The album’s producer, Garret “Jacknife” Lee, noted that Parton “loved” the final version of her duet with Bono.
“She was so proud of her vocal and the recording,” he said. “She was thrilled with it. We were very nervous that she might not approve, or would be uncomfortable with it, but she loved it.”
Bono concluded, “It’s very moving to have had these intimacies with such a figure. The fact that they’re not there now, in any way you can call back, other than through her songs, is very sobering.”
Parton died on August 25 after a private battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Carnaval de Luz hits shelves November 13.
