Dolly Parton celebrates her 80th birthday by revamping a 50-year-old classic with a star-studded lineup of female artists.
By Website Content Manager
The new version features Lainey Wilson, Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
To celebrate her 80th birthday on January 19, Dolly Parton has revisited her iconic catalog with a new, star-studded version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Originally written 50 years ago, the song gets a fresh lease on life as Parton joins forces with a lineup of remarkable female artists.
Featured on the recording are Lainey Wilson, Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire. The music video also includes David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir providing backing vocals. Together, the collaborators deliver a message of hope, resilience, and positivity.
“We’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” Parton says at the start of the video. “But we can’t let the darkness in.” Queen Latifah adds, “It’s time to wake up,” before Parton continues, “because I can see the light of a clear blue morning. Can you?”
The arrangement begins with gentle piano notes that support the artists’ tender vocals. Each singer shares lines of encouragement before joining in soaring harmonies that amplify the song’s spirit of renewal. The chorus reflects this uplifting energy:
“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.”
Parton originally wrote the song in 1976 during a period of personal transformation. Now, five decades later, she revisits it with renewed energy, turning it into a celebration of perseverance and optimism for a new generation. Produced by Parton and Kent Wells and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, the updated version reinforces the message that brighter days follow even the darkest nights.
“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,” Parton said. “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.”
Lainey Wilson, one of the collaborators, called the song “powerful” and expressed her gratitude for being part of the project. She shared how meaningful it was to participate, saying that Parton’s influence on her own career made the experience especially significant.
“When she asked me to be part of this, I thought, that will never get old. And when I found out who else was involved, it made it even more special. It’s incredible to be included on a song that has stood the test of time,” Wilson said.
She also reflected on the opportunity to spend time in the studio with Parton, noting how inspiring it was to be coached by the legendary singer. “I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime. My mama even got to spend time with her. It was a really special day. Everything she says, I put in my pocket. There are so many layers to her, and I’m grateful to have her in my life,” Wilson added.