Dolly Parton may be down, but she’s not out. The country music legend and former mentor has canceled multiple appearances in recent months due to health concerns. But on January 13, 2026, Parton announced that she’ll release a new song this week with a little help from her friends, including “The Voice” coach and fellow country legend Reba McEntire.
Dolly Parton’s New Single Will Benefit Pediatric Cancer Organization
An updated version of Parton’s 1977 song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” will be released on January 16, with her superstar collaborators.
In a social media post about the release, the legendary singer-songwriter wrote, “Proceeds from this recording and music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN.”
The song will also feature The Christ Church Choir on backing vocals, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel, with legendary producer David Foster is on piano.
Dolly Parton Has Leaned on Friends During Tough Time
GettyParton, a former mentor on “The Voice,” has been out of the spotlight for several months while dealing with undisclosed health issues. She had to cancel her Las Vegas residency, an appearance at her Dollywood amusement park, among other big events, and one of her sisters asked fans to pray for her.
In September, she posted a lengthy explanation on social media, writing, “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”
Fans and friends have been pulling for Parton, now even backing her up on her new single — which will be released just in time for her 80th birthday on January 19th.
Wilson commented on Parton’s post, “So excited for y’all to hear this 🤩” and McEntire shared a link to the song in her Instagram stories and wrote, “Out Friday!”
Queen Latifah had not shared the news with her fans at press time, but she and Parton became friends while filming the 2012 movie “Joyful Noise” and collaborated on multiple songs for the film.
Meanwhile, Cyrus has been a frequent presence in Parton’s life and vice versa, as her goddaughter. They have performed multiple times together over the years.
Dolly Parton Has Also Been Mourning Her Husband’s Passing
Before her health challenges, Parton was also grieving the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
In July, Parton said while appearing on the “Khloé in Wonder Land” podcast that she was stepping away from music following the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in March.
“I can’t do it,” she said. “I can’t do it right now ’cause I have so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, getting emotional. I’ll write something else, though, if it comes. I’m just putting that all on hold.”
