How U2 recruited Dolly Parton for posthumous duet Torn
Torn, U2's new duet featuring Dolly Parton, is the country music legend's swan song.
In a surprising collaboration, U2 enlisted Dolly Parton for a posthumous duet on their latest album, Carnaval De Luz. The track, titled "Torn," serves as the closing song on the 16-track record and marks Parton's final vocal recording before her passing on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Co-written by Parton, the tender country song explores the emotional turmoil of choosing between two men, with U2 reworking the lyrics to reflect a family divided by political strife.
Parton penned a heartfelt note to Bono, expressing her gratitude and love for the band. Renowned country producer Kent Wells reimagined the song with a country-infused track, while award-winning film music producer T Bone Burnett contributed his own treatment. The poignant duet resonated with fans, transcending political and personal divides, as Bono reflected on the universal admiration for Parton, regardless of one's political leanings or personal beliefs.
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