A Song For A Cure: Dolly Parton Joins Forces With Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus & More To Fight Pediatric Cancer
Maintaining her status as a saint.
There’s no doubt that it’s been nothing short of a trying past 12 months for the living legend herself, Dolly Parton. As we unfortunately all know, back on March 3rd, she lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, at the age of 82. His death, of course, sent shockwaves throughout the country music community and prompted her to release the heartfelt tribute, “If You Hadn’t Been There” days later.
In the months following, there have been a few concerns surrounding the “9 to 5” singer. In particular, fans, friends and family of Parton became a bit concerned back in September when she cancelled her six-show residency in Las Vegas that was set for December due to unspecified “health concerns.”
Despite the concerns from fans, she assured everyone that she’s not quitting, and she plans to give the fans the show she feels they deserve as soon as she’s back to 100%:
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concert. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.
As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon! In all seriousness, given this, I was not gong to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see.
You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you. While I’m still able to work on all of my projects from Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. and don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.
But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
She’d clear the air in October once again, posting a video on the set of a commercial for the Opry. In the video, she’d assure fans that she’s doing fine and that there was no major health concerns,
“I want to say something! Well, today’s October 8th, and obviously I’m here, doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which is why I’m dressed kind of like a country western girl!
But before I got started, I wanted to say lately, I know everybody thinks that I’m sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here! Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those who seemed to be real concerned —which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith, I can always use the prayers for anything and everything. But I wanted you to know that I’m okay. I’ve got some problems, as I mentioned.”
Flashforward to today, just six days before her 80th birthday, Parton has announced that she is re-releasing her 1977 hit, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” this Friday, January 16th, featuring an interesting lineup of fellow female country superstars, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, as well as her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah.
More importantly, and undoubtedly in the spirit of giving that Dolly has shown throughout her career, all revenue generated from the song and its music video will directly pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Though it never reached the heights of Parton’s career staples such as “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “Here You Come Again,” the track was undoubtedly a success for the Tennessee native upon its release. Appearing on her 1977 album, New Harvest…First Gathering, “Light of a Blue Clear Morning” served as its lead single, eventually peaking at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in June of 1977.
It will undoubtedly be interesting to hear the final result of the re-release which features what can only be described as an eclectic lineup, especially when you throw both Cyrus and Queen Latifah in the mix. With that being said, however, given the dynamic, sprawling nature of the original, feel-good track, there will be plenty of opportunities for all five artists to shine throughout. And, of course, it also helps that it’s benefiting such an important cause.
Before you go, fire up the original 1977 version of the song.
The post A Song For A Cure: Dolly Parton Joins Forces With Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus & More To Fight Pediatric Cancer first appeared on Whiskey Riff.