U2 to Release New Album Featuring Final Dolly Parton Duet

U2’s new album, Carnaval de Luz, will close with “Torn,” a duet with the late Dolly Parton that marks the final recording of her seven-decade career. The band’s frontman, Bono, revealed that the collaboration began when Parton politely declined an earlier song idea, deeming it a little too Irish for me, before offering them her own unfinished track. The album is set for release on November 13 via Interscope Records.

From “Too Irish” to a Final Gift

The collaboration between U2 and Dolly Parton started not with a sure thing, but with a polite rejection. Bono approached the country music icon about contributing to a “Celtic Irish folk project,” playing her a song called “Lifelong,” which he described as being “kind of like a marrying song, like a wedding song.” Parton’s response was direct: That’s a little too Irish for me, if you don’t mind. When Bono pointed out her Appalachian roots, she clarified, Yeah, but I’m talking about my voice.

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Instead of walking away, Parton countered with an offer of her own. She had a song started called “Torn” and told Bono, Now you can take it somewhere else, and I’d like to see where you can take it. The band, along with Snow Patrol’s Jonny McDaid, transformed the song from its original, more traditional form into a story about family division, with lyrics like Brothers turn to strangers / And sons deny their name / Somebody loses either way / And every heart is torn.

We really took it somewhere else. I was really surprised that she ran with it. That’s because not only was it sort of, not just American families, but arguing at the kitchen table and two brothers not speaking. You know, had some real friction of the times in it.

Bono, via Yahoo

A Performance Recorded in Defiance of Illness

Parton recorded her vocal for “Torn” in June 2026, less than three months before her death on August 25 at the age of 80. The band was unaware of the severity of her illness at the time, but Bono later shared that she was so ill she had to get out of bed to sing. Her performance, he said, was amazing. She sang it like she just took flight.

U2 to feature Dolly Parton's last recorded performance on next album

Producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee confirmed that Parton was proud of her contribution. She was so proud of her vocal and the recording. She was thrilled with it, he said. The collaboration meant a great deal to U2, especially given Parton’s condition. It meant a lot to us at the time, just knowing she was ill, that she would even consider doing something with us, Bono reflected.

Parton’s death came after a battle with an unspecified type of cancer. She had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with kidney and autoimmune issues five days before she passed. The recording of “Torn” stands as a final, powerful testament to her commitment to her craft and her friendship with the band.

Bono dolly parton — Photo: the-independent.com

An Album Forged in Perseverance

Carnaval de Luz is U2’s first full-length album of new material in nine years. The band, known for their relentless work ethic, faced their own challenges during its creation. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. was advised to retire due to neck problems that forced him to skip the band’s 2023-2024 Las Vegas residency, but he returned after a risky surgical intervention.

The recording process for the album was at times difficult. Bono described the early sessions as being at times super inspiring, and then really not that good at all. The band’s stick-with-it-ness is a defining trait, he said. This band is absolutely relentless, Bono stated, with Mullen Jr. adding, It’s the most frustrating thing.

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The album’s closing track, “Torn,” is more than just a collaboration; it is a symbol of the band’s enduring spirit and a final gift from one of music’s most beloved voices. As Bono noted in a tribute, Every heart is torn.