Dolly Parton and Bono reunite for a final duet on the new U2 album

One last song for Dolly Parton. Nearly three months after the death of the American country icon, his voice resonates again on Torn, a duet with Bono unveiled on Friday November 13. The title closes Carnaval de Luz, the new album from U2, and the first composed of original songs in nine years.

Recorded last June in Nashville (Tennessee), this ballad is the last vocal recording of Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80.

“I can’t even listen to it anymore”

Originally, the Irish singer contacted Dolly Parton to participate in another musical project, inspired by traditional Irish music. But the singer wasn't entirely convinced. “It’s a little too Irish for me,” she replied, according to memories Bono told Rolling Stone.

Dolly Parton then offered him a piece she had started writing called Torn. Originally dedicated to a woman torn between two men, the song was reworked by Bono and Johnny McDaid, of the group Snow Patrol. The final version tells of the heartbreaks of a family divided by their political beliefs.

Despite her illness, Dolly Parton insisted on recording her part. “When she got sick, she got out of bed to sing this song. And you can hear it. I can’t even listen to it anymore,” Bono confided to Rolling Stone in September.

Dolly Parton's final message to Bono

The singer was able to hear and approve the final result before her disappearance. “She was so proud of her voice and the recording,” added producer Jacknife Lee to the American music magazine.

In a message dated June 2 and addressed to Bono, revealed by Dolly Parton's team, the interpreter of Jolene was delighted with their collaboration. “I love this song and I think it could become something really special,” she wrote, before concluding: “Thank you for making a place for me in your life. I have always loved you and I always will. »

In addition to the version featured on the U2 album, two other versions of the song were released on Friday, including a more traditional one, performed by Kent Wells, longtime collaborator of Dolly Parton.