Dolly Parton Drops New Version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” Featuring Four Superstar Voices

Dolly Parton has a way of turning “something new” into something that stops you in your tracks — and this latest project is no exception.

Back on January 12, 2026, Parton hinted at a surprise, posting simply that “something new is on the horizon.” Fans didn’t have to wait long. The very next day, she revealed the full picture: a fresh recording of her classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” this time joined by four powerhouse singers — Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.

There’s heart behind the project too. Parton shared that proceeds from the recording and its music video will go toward pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

In a follow-up video, Parton opened up about the song’s origins — she wrote it during a low point in her life, when she desperately needed what she called a “shining light.” For this new version, she said she reached out to four women she considers “real shining lights” of their own to bring the song back to life with her.

Queen Latifah’s involvement might catch some fans off guard, but the pairing isn’t random — she and Parton go back over a decade, having co-starred in the 2012 film Joyful Noise, and their friendship has clearly held strong ever since.

The Music Video Arrives

Right at midnight Eastern time, Parton released both the audio and an accompanying music video. The video captures all five artists — Parton, Wilson, Cyrus, McEntire, and Latifah — laying down vocals in separate recording booths, each bringing her own distinct energy to the track.

Five voices on a single song might sound like a lot, but the blend works beautifully — and when the chorus hits, it’s genuinely goosebump-inducing. Adding to the power of the moment, a 12-person choir joins in, while legendary producer David Foster appears at the piano, guiding the session.