Dolly Parton final recording Torn with Bono, Digi Mart USA News: When Bono recruited Dolly Parton for a duet on U2’s new album, he did not realise it would be the late country icon’s final recording.
Released today, Torn is a tender country song and the closing track on Carnaval De Luz, U2’s 16th studio album and first full-length release since 2023. Parton, who co-wrote the track, sings “I love them both, and I just feel so torn.” She recorded her vocal in Nashville, Tennessee, in June this year, less than three months before her death.
Bono said in a recent BBC interview, “We knew she was ill, but we had no idea that it’d be her last vocal.” He explained that the collaboration began when he bought Parton a set of bagpipes as a birthday gift and she agreed to listen to his demo recordings.
Bono said Parton passed on one demo, Lifelong, saying it was a little too Irish for her, but offered her own song called Torn. “You can take it where you want, and I might like where you take it,” he recalled her saying.
“And she did.”
Parton’s original treatment concerned a woman trying to choose between two men. U2 rewrote the song, with help from Jonny McDaid of Snow Patrol, into a story about a family divided by political differences.
In a June 2 note addressed to Bono, Parton wrote: “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.” She added: “Thanks for including me in your life. I’ve always loved you and always will.
Dolly.”
Two more versions of Torn were also released today. Kent Wells, Parton’s long-time producer, band leader and collaborator, produced a version highlighting country instrumentation and pedal steel.
Musician and film music producer T Bone Burnett also created a treatment of the track.
Parton died on August 25, 2026, aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Bono told the BBC he was with R.E.M.
vocalist Michael Stipe when he learned of her passing. “He actually fell down and started sobbing.
He just could not believe it,” Bono said.
Bono added, “Probably the only thing that people can agree on in the entire world right now is Dolly Parton. Whether you’re gay or straight or conservative or liberal, she was ready for you to fly at her show.”
