U2 has released what is believed to be Dolly Parton’s final recorded song — an emotional duet with Bono titled “Torn.”
The track features on U2’s 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, released Friday, November 13, and is a heartfelt ballad about a family torn apart. It is the last track on the new record.
“I can’t deny this passion and desire / But I know it has to burn me standing this close to the fire,” Parton hauntingly sings. “What am I supposed to do? And how am I supposed to choose? / I love ’em both and I just feel so torn.”
Parton recorded her vocals for the song in June, two months before her death at age 80 in August.
“When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song,” Bono told Rolling Stone of “Torn” in September. “And you can hear that. And I can’t even listen to it now.”
Bono recalled initially reaching out to the “Jolene” singer for a collaboration on a side project inspired by Irish folk music, but they ultimately landed on “Torn.”
“She said, ‘That’s a little too Irish for me,’” Bono told Rolling Stone. “But she said, ‘I got this song. It’s called ‘Torn,’ and do you wanna see where you can take it somewhere else, maybe?’”
“She sang her heart out, and I cannot believe that’s an 80-year-old woman,” Bono added to the outlet. “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.”
U2 producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee shared 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.”
Parton died on August 25 after battling an undisclosed form 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,” Parton’s rep said in a statement at the time. “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.”
