Dolly Parton has new music out, ahead of a milestone birthday. The Country Music Hall of Fame member just dropped “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” joined by Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah. The updated version of the song, first written and recorded 50 years ago in 1976, is in honor of Parton’s upcoming 80th birthday on January 19.

“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope,” Parton says. “And 50 years later, that message still feels just as true. 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.”

In true Parton fashion, proceeds from the new “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” will go to the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Parton begins the video by saying, “You know, we’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” followed by Queen Latifah, who says, “Yeah, we sure are.”

“But we can’t let the darkness win. … ‘Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning,” Parton adds. “Can you?”

 

The Story Behind Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”

In a video shared on social media, Parton shares the story behind “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Released as a single in 1977, the song is on Parton’s New Harvest…First Gathering record.

“I first wrote this song back in 1976, when I needed a little hope,” Parton explains. “This time around, I’ve invited some very special women, some real shining lights, to help me bring that hope to life again. And I can’t wait for you to hear what we’ve created together.”

Parton reportedly first wrote the song while she was in the middle of untangling herself from her former partnership with Porter Wagoner.

The Lyric of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ by Dolly Parton

It’s been a long dark night
And I’ve been a-waiting for the morning
It’s been a long hard fight
But I see a brand new day dawning
I’ve been looking for the sunshine
You know I ain’t seen it in so long
But everything’s gonna work out just fine
And everything’s gonna be all right
That’s been all wrong

‘Cause 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

It’s been a long long time
Since I’ve known the taste of freedom
And those clinging vines
That had me bound, well, I don’t need ’em
I’ve been like a captured eagle
You know an eagle is born to fly
Now that I have won my freedom
Like an eagle, I am eager to fly