Dolly Parton closed out the 2023 ACM Awards by performing her brand-new rock song, “World on Fire.” The song is from her forthcoming, 30-track Rockstar album, which will be released on November 17.
Ahead of her performance, the 77-year-old admitted she was anxious about performing the song live for the first time.
“I’m excited, a little bit nervous, in a good way,” Parton told Entetainment Tonight. “It’s like I’m introducing my whole rock album tonight. And this is the first single from that. Basically, it’s a message I think everybody in the world needs to hear.”
Parton previously said she felt led to write “World on Fire” by looking at many of the current events that she has been witnessing.
“This is a song I felt very inspired to write,” Parton said. “I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”
The Grand Ole Opry member announced on Good Morning America that she would be debuting the song to close out this year’s ACM Awards, which she also hosted alongside Garth Brookss.
“It’s really kind of about the times. and how we can do a little better if we try to try to heal the divide and just get along a little better,” Parton explained. “And so, it’s really got a great message to it, but it’s also good and solid, kind of like a rock anthem.”
Parton is joined by plenty of guest artists on Rockstar, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, Chris Stapleton, Michael McDonald, Peter Frampton, Brandi Carlile, Sting, Richie Sambora and more.
“I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar!” Parton said when Rockstar was announced. “I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
Rockstar will be released via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group. The project will be available as a four-LP set, a 2-CD set, a digital download, and on all streaming services. Pre-order Rockstar here.
