Dolly Parton's last recorded song: Everything about 'Torn'
What's the story
The last recorded vocals of legendary singer Dolly Parton have been released on U2's new album Carnaval de Luz. The final track, titled Torn, features Parton and Bono singing about a metaphorical family feud that mirrors the current political divide in the United States. "Nothing hurts a mother more than a family at war," Parton sings at one point in the song. She passed away from cancer in August at the age of 80.
Song details
'Torn' was recorded in Nashville in June
The song, co-written by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid, is a poignant reflection on broken family ties.
It was recorded in Nashville in June 2026, making it Parton's last vocal performance before her death.
The track is produced by Jacknife Lee and features Daniel Lanois on pedal steel guitar.
A country version of the song is set to be released on Country Radio on Friday.
Collaboration
Parton's message to Bono ahead of her death
Ahead of the song's release, Parton's team had shared a sweet message from the singer to Bono on Instagram.
"Hey Bono, hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things."
"Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special," read the post dated June 2, 2026.
"Thanks for including me in your life. I've always loved you and always will."
Emotional tribute
Bono found it difficult to listen to the song
Bono admitted to Rolling Stone that he found it difficult to listen to the song after Parton's death.
"When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song. And you can hear that. And I can't even listen to it now," he said.
The posthumous track follows Parton's appearance on Bound to Ride, a tribute song for The Stanley Brothers released two weeks after her passing.