Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire; Photos Courtesy of YouTube
In honor of Dolly Parton celebrating her 80th birthday on January 19, the country music icon has dipped into her timeless catalog to unveil a brand-new, star-studded rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” It has been 50 years since Parton wrote this classic so to commemorate her birthday as well as this milestone, she tapped a powerhouse lineup of female hitmakers to help give it a new life.
Joining her on the fresh recording is Lainey Wilson, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire. Parton reignites the song through the recording and music video that also features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on backing vocals. Together, these artists and musicians combine their talents to share a message that encourages everyone to spread some love and hope in their days.
“You know, we’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” the country icon states in the opening of the video. “But we can’t let the darkness in.
“It’s time to wake up,” adds Queen Latifah, before Parton continues, “because I can see the light of a clear blue morning. Can you?”
The delicate piano keys slowly build over their vocals, offering a soft, tender melody that is soon overtaken by the unmistakable sounds of each of the artists’ voices whispering through the speakers. At first, they take turns carrying out the messages of hope, freedom, and renewal before coming together with soaring harmonies and a powerful spirit.
“I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ I can see the light of a brand new day/ I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ Oh, and everything’s gonna be all right/ It’s gonna be okay,” they sing on the chorus.
Parton acknowledged that this story was penned back in 1976 when she had found herself going through a moment of personal transition. Now, five decades later, Dolly revisits it with a fresh energy, transforming the classic into a celebration of perseverance and optimism for a new generation. The arrangement, which was produced by Dolly and Kent Wells and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, offers reminder that even after the darkest nights, brighter days are ahead.
“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and fifty 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,” Parton shared.
One of Parton’s collaborators, country music sensation Lainey Wilson called “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” a “powerful song.” While celebrating a career milestone of her own this week, Wilson reflected on the opportunity to be a part of this recording, stating how honored she was considering how impactful Dolly Parton has been on her musical journey.
“Whenever she asked if I could be a part of this, I was like, that will never get old to me. That will never get old to me. And when I found out who else is going to be a part of the song, it’s huge for her to kind of tip her hat to me like that by allowing me to be on this incredible song that has stood the test of time, that does mean so much,” she shared honestly.
The “Somewhere Over Laredo” goes on to say that she got to spend time in the studio with Dolly while recording this track and in doing so got to be coached by one of the greatest in the genre.
“I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime. My mama got to spend some time with her. It was just a really special day. And I do not take it for granted that I even got to just spend a few hours with that woman. Everything that she says, I put it in my pocket. Just getting to know her and just, there’s so many layers to that woman and I’m thankful to have her in my life.”
Continuing her longtime tradition of giving back, Dolly Parton has announced that all proceeds from the song and its music video will support the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, an organization that has been a cherished partner and cause for Parton for many years.
