The country legend's final recorded vocal performance is featured on a duet with Bono from U2's new album, Carnaval De Luz.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 12, 2026
Dolly Parton's final studio recording is being heard on country radio for the first time. The late country music legend joins U2 frontman Bono on "Torn," a new duet receiving its country radio world premiere on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The song will be officially released Friday, November 13, as the closing track on U2's 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, through Island Records.
Parton recorded her vocals in Nashville in June 2026, just two months before her death on August 25 at age 80. The recording would become her final vocal performance in the studio.
Dolly Parton and U2 Collaborate on "Torn"
Co-written by Parton, U2, and Johnny McDaid, "Torn" is a country-influenced ballad about fractured family relationships, divided loyalties, and the emotional toll of conflict between loved ones.
The song pairs Parton's unmistakable voice with Bono's vocals, bringing together two artists from different musical backgrounds.
Produced by Jacknife Lee, the recording features Daniel Lanois on pedal steel guitar, adding a country sound to the collaboration.
The song also features U2 members The Edge on vocals and guitar, Adam Clayton on bass, and Larry Mullen Jr. on drums.
"Torn" Receives Country Radio World Premiere
A special country version of the song, titled "Torn" (Kent Wells Version), is receiving an exclusive country radio world premiere on November 12.
The recording is being featured across major radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Cumulus, Audacy, Beasley, Summit, and Townsquare. It is also being presented on SiriusXM's The Highway, Prime Country, and Y2Country channels, along with Music Choice.
Kent Wells, who worked with Parton on her final recording, co-produced the country version alongside Jacknife Lee. Wells also contributed acoustic guitar, while Scotty Sanders provided steel guitar and Derek Wells played additional electric guitar.
Big Machine Records, Parton's most recent label partner, is handling the country version's promotion and radio servicing.
Dolly Parton's Final Recording Appears on U2's New Album
"Torn" closes Carnaval De Luz, U2's first studio album of new material in nine years.
The album arrives November 13, 2026, marking the band's 16th studio release and coinciding with the 50th anniversary year of U2's formation.
Parton also left a personal note for Bono following their recording collaboration. The message was shared publicly in connection with the song's announcement.
"Torn" represents the final studio vocal performance of one of country music's most influential artists, bringing Parton's voice to listeners once again through an unexpected collaboration with U2.