Dolly Parton Marks 80th Birthday by Reviving 50-Year-Old Hit with Star-Studded Collaboration
- - Dolly Parton Marks 80th Birthday by Reviving 50-Year-Old Hit with Star-Studded Collaboration
Geca FloresJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:16 PM
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Dolly Parton is feeling the love on her 80th birthday.
As the music icon celebrated another major milestone in her life, the “Jolene” hitmaker found a special way to thank fans and supporters for their well-wishes and sweet messages on her big day.
In an Instagram post, the Country Music Hall of Famer expressed her gratitude, reflecting on how much her fans’ support has meant to her throughout the years. But instead of a simple “thank you” message, she treated them to something truly special.
“Thank you for all the birthday wishes and the love for 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning'.” And special thanks to my friends @laineywilson, @mileycyrus, @reba and @queenlatifah for lending their incredible voices to the song,” she wrote.
Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.Jason Kempin/Getty Images (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
The video also showcased Parton in a bright pink leather zip-up jacket and textured pants, embodying her signature Dollycore aesthetic.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer began the short clip by reflecting on being 80 years old.
“What do you give somebody that’s 80-years-old?” she asked, adding, “Well, you don't take gifts, you give things. And I’m gonna give you the gift of a bunch of friends that stopped by to help me sing a song called ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning,’” she said.
According to her, she wrote the song decades ago.
“In fact, it’s 50 years old,” she said, announcing a star-studded remake of the beloved classic.
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As mentioned, the lineup includes Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire and Queen Latifah, with David Foster on piano, the Christ Church Choir on background vocals and production handled by Kent Wells.
“Thank you for all the birthday wishes and I hope I live another 80 years,” she said and jokingly added “but I hope I still got my plastic surgeons in line.”
The remake of Parton’s timeless song premiered on Jan. 16. The music video features behind-the-scenes moments during their recording.
On her birthday, she also posted playful photos on her Instagram, wearing a colorful outfit as she candidly posed beside a butterfly-shaped cake decorated with flowers.
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Moreover, she was delighted to receive a special gift from U2’s frontman Bono.
Instead of a traditional gift, the music icon surprised Parton by sending a live bagpiper to serenade her with “Happy Birthday,” along with a cake bearing the sweet message, “Love… Bono.”
Related: Dolly Parton, 79, Stuns in Sparkly New Year’s Outfit
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
