Dolly Parton has brought together four powerhouse female artists for a special new version of one of her most beloved songs, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
On January 12, 2026, Parton teased fans on social media with a simple message: “Something new is on the horizon.” Just one day later, she revealed the surprise project — a newly recorded version of the song featuring Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
The collaboration brings together five distinctive voices from different generations and corners of the entertainment world, creating a powerful new interpretation of Parton’s uplifting classic.
Parton also shared that the project has a meaningful purpose beyond the music. Proceeds from the new recording and its accompanying music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dolly Parton Says the Song Was Inspired by a Difficult Moment
In a video announcing the collaboration, Parton explained the personal meaning behind “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” She said she originally wrote the song during a time when she was feeling down and was searching for a “shining light” to help lift her spirits.
For the new recording, Parton decided to invite four women she considers close friends and, fittingly, described them as “real shining lights.”
Those friends turned out to be some of the biggest names in music and entertainment: Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
Each singer brings her own personality and vocal style to the song, while Parton remains at the heart of the performance.
Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton Share a Longtime Connection
Although Queen Latifah may initially seem like an unexpected addition to a country music collaboration, she and Parton have shared a friendship for years.
The two stars previously appeared together in the 2012 musical comedy-drama Joyful Noise, where they played characters brought together through music. Their reunion on “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” offers another opportunity for the longtime friends to share the spotlight.
The collaboration also reunites Parton with Reba McEntire and Miley Cyrus, both of whom have longstanding connections to Parton and her musical legacy.
Cyrus, in particular, has often spoken warmly about Parton, who is her godmother. Their relationship has led to several memorable musical moments over the years.
The New Recording and Music Video
At midnight Eastern Time, the new version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” was officially released, along with a music video featuring all five performers.
The video takes viewers into the recording studio, showing Parton, Wilson, Cyrus, McEntire, and Latifah singing from different recording booths as they build the emotional performance together.
The arrangement allows each artist to shine individually before their voices come together for the song’s powerful chorus.
A 12-person choir was also included, adding another layer to the already massive vocal arrangement.
Adding to the star power behind the recording, legendary producer and musician David Foster appears in the video playing piano.
A Song About Hope With a Purpose Beyond Music
Originally written as a song about finding hope after difficult times, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” has taken on an even greater meaning through this new collaboration.
Parton has long used her music and public platform to support charitable causes, and this project continues that tradition. By directing proceeds toward pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the new recording connects Parton’s message of hope with a cause that affects children and families.
With five celebrated performers, a choir, David Foster on piano, and a deeply personal song at its center, the new version gives “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” a fresh life while preserving the hopeful spirit that made the original so special.
For fans of Dolly Parton, the collaboration is more than an impressive collection of famous voices. It is a celebration of friendship, music, hope, and the belief that even after difficult times, a brighter morning can still be ahead.