Dolly Parton Brought Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Queen Latifah Together for a Powerful New “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”
Just days before celebrating her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton revisited one of the most hopeful songs of her career — and invited four remarkable women from different generations of music and entertainment to stand beside her.
On January 16, 2026, Parton released a newly recorded version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Queen Latifah. The collaboration also included David Foster on piano and backing vocals from The Christ Church Choir.
More than a celebration of Parton’s milestone birthday, however, the recording carried a charitable purpose: net proceeds from both the single and its music video were designated to support pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Dolly teased that “something new” was coming
The surprise began several days before Parton turned 80 on January 19.
On January 12, she teased fans on social media with a simple message suggesting that something new was “on the horizon.” A day later, the mystery became clear as she revealed the extraordinary lineup joining her for a fresh interpretation of one of her most personal compositions.
The song was officially released on January 16, accompanied by a music video featuring the five women recording their individual parts in the studio.
The choice of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” was particularly meaningful. Parton wrote the song in 1976 during a period of major personal and professional transition, as she was moving forward independently following her musical partnership with Porter Wagoner. It appeared on her 1977 album New Harvest…First Gathering.
Five decades later, she returned to its message of perseverance and optimism.
Four “shining lights” join Dolly
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For the new recording, Parton assembled a lineup spanning country, pop and hip-hop: longtime friend Reba McEntire, goddaughter Miley Cyrus, country star Lainey Wilson and actress, rapper and singer Queen Latifah.
Each shared a different connection with Parton.
Cyrus’ relationship with Dolly was especially personal. Parton had been her godmother since childhood, and their bond eventually grew into a musical partnership that included numerous performances and recordings together.
McEntire and Parton shared a friendship stretching back decades, while Wilson represents a younger generation of country performers influenced by the path artists such as Dolly helped create.
Queen Latifah might initially appear to be the most unexpected name in the group, but she and Parton had already worked together years earlier. The pair starred in the 2012 musical comedy Joyful Noise.
Together, the four women became part of a recording built around a message Parton believed remained just as relevant 50 years after she first wrote it.
A song born during a difficult turning point
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” has always carried special significance in Parton’s catalog.
She wrote it while confronting the uncertainty that accompanied striking out independently. Looking back on the song in 2026, Parton explained that she had originally been searching for hope during that period of her life.
That history made the song a fitting choice for her 80th birthday.
Rather than simply revisit one of her older recordings, Parton transformed it into an intergenerational collaboration centered on resilience, love and hope.
The release also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the song’s writing.
David Foster and a choir add to the recording
The five lead voices were not the only notable names involved.
David Foster played piano on the recording, while The Christ Church Choir provided backing vocals, adding another layer to the arrangement. Parton co-produced the new version with longtime collaborator Kent Wells, and Chris Lord-Alge handled the mix.
The accompanying video kept the focus largely on the performers and the recording process, showing Parton, McEntire, Cyrus, Wilson and Queen Latifah delivering their parts from the studio before their voices come together.
The collaboration also supported pediatric cancer research
Parton connected the celebratory release to a cause with which she had a longstanding relationship.
Net proceeds from the recording and music video were directed toward the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
It was consistent with a philanthropic legacy that accompanied Parton throughout her career, from children’s literacy initiatives to medical research and disaster relief.
This time, she used a song originally written to help express her own search for hope to support children and families facing profoundly difficult circumstances.
That gave the 2026 version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” meaning beyond its superstar lineup.
Fifty years after Dolly Parton wrote the song during an uncertain chapter of her own life, she returned to it surrounded by Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Queen Latifah — transforming a deeply personal anthem of hope into a collaboration designed to send some of that hope forward to others.