Dolly Parton revisits ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ with all-star collaboration ahead of 80th birthday

Dolly Parton is marking a major milestone by returning to one of the most personal songs in her catalogue, this time alongside a lineup of influential women from across music and entertainment.

Ahead of her 80th birthday on January 19, the country music icon released a newly recorded version of Light of a Clear Blue Morning. The refreshed track features contributions from Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, Lainey Wilson and Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.

Originally written in the 1970s, the song emerged during a period of uncertainty in Parton’s life and has long been associated with themes of renewal and self-belief. In a message shared with fans, Parton said revisiting the track decades later felt especially meaningful, describing the collaborators as women who embody strength, resilience and optimism.

The rerelease also carries a philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from the song will support pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, an institution Parton has supported for years.

Light of a Clear Blue Morning first appeared on Parton’s 1977 album New Harvest … First Gathering and has remained a fan favorite. Cyrus previously performed the song in 2021 during a Saturday Night Live episode that aired on Mother’s Day weekend, dedicating it to both Parton and her mother.

Parton has spoken openly about the song’s origins, explaining that it was written during the end of her professional partnership with Porter Wagoner, a moment she later described as both painful and liberating. She has said the lyrics came together quickly, inspired by a sense that a new chapter was beginning.

The rerecording arrives as the Grand Ole Opry prepares a special tribute concert in Parton’s honor on January 17. While she will not attend in person, the singer has shared her appreciation for the celebration, calling the Opry central to her artistic journey.

The milestone birthday follows a challenging year for Parton, who lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025. She has since spoken about adjusting to life without him, noting that remaining creatively active has been an important source of healing.

With this collaborative rerecording, Parton enters her 80th year reflecting on her past while continuing to turn music into a vehicle for hope and generosity, a theme that has defined her career for decades.