Bono reveals Dolly Parton collaboration was her final vocal recording

U2 frontman Bono has revealed that the band was unaware of the severity of Dolly Parton’s health issues during their recent collaboration. The song, titled “Torn,” will serve as the closing track on U2’s upcoming album, “Carnaval De Luz,” scheduled for release on November 13.

Parton, who passed away in August, provided what has now been confirmed as her final vocal performance. Bono noted that while the band knew she was ill, they did not realize it would be her last recording. He recalled receiving the news of her death while traveling in a car with R.E.M. vocalist Michael Stipe, who was visibly devastated by the news.

The collaboration began after Bono sent Parton a set of bagpipes as a birthday gift. After reviewing some of U2’s folk-inspired material, Parton suggested the band work on her own composition, “Torn.” The track was subsequently reworked by U2 and Snow Patrol member Jonny McDaid to address themes of social and political divisions.