Dolly Parton Reimagines 1977 Hit “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” with Pop Icons

January 16, 2026 – Country music legend Dolly Parton, 79, has released a brand-new version of her 1977 hit “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”, featuring her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.

Parton shared her excitement in a statement: “I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and 50 years later that message still feels just as true. As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”

A Charity-Driven Release

Earlier this week, Dolly teased the release on Instagram, emphasizing the charitable angle. She revealed that proceeds from the recording and music video will go to pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fans and collaborators have expressed their excitement. Lainey Wilson, 33, commented on Parton’s post, “So excited for y’all to hear this.”

The Original Hit and Its Legacy

“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” first appeared on Dolly Parton’s 1977 album, New Harvest…First Gathering. The track reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of Parton’s classic hits.

This new collaboration marks the second time Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson have worked with Dolly, following last year’s hit “Trailblazer” with Miranda Lambert. That song is now nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Celebrating Female Talent

With this rendition, Parton brings together some of the biggest female names in music, showing a commitment to empower women in the industry while using her platform for a charitable cause. Fans worldwide are already streaming the new version, praising the blend of country, pop, and soul influences.