Dolly Parton to posthumously feature on U2 song 'Torn'

Dolly Parton is set to posthumously feature on U2's song 'Torn', the final recorded vocal performance of her career.

The duet with Bono will close the Irish band's upcoming 16th album, Carnaval De Luz, out November 13.

"When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song," Bono told Rolling Stone. "I can't even listen to it now."

Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80, following "a brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives.

According to Rolling Stone, she recorded her vocals for 'Torn' in June, just two months before her death.

Bono initially approached the country icon about contributing to a separate, unreleased project inspired by Irish folk music, but Parton felt the material was too Irish for her and instead offered him a song of her own called 'Torn'.

Bono and Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid then reworked the lyrics around the perspective of a mother watching her family fracture, and Parton agreed to the new version. She was able to hear and approve the final mix before her death.

U2 had a longstanding friendship with Parton. They paid tribute shortly after her death, sharing an Instagram post that teased the song, writing: "Every heart is torn."

Carnaval De Luz arrives during U2's 50th anniversary year and marks their first full-length album of new material since 2017's 'Songs Of Experience'. The band shared its latest preview, 'Silencio' yesterday.

Produced by Jacknife Lee, the album is a collection of 12 songs, covering themes of spirituality, friendship and freedom. Alongside Parton's collaboration, Spanish singer Rosalía also features on a track titled 'The Mirror Maker'.

"It's a messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs - and features the first-ever use of flat-wound strings on a U2 recording, just saying," said The Edge

"Roll up, roll up, roll up, bring your purple socks, your broken hearts, your rose-tinted naivety...oh be amazed in the hall of mirrors," followed Bono. "There will be loud guitars, deep bass, some ecstatic rhythms and yes, some silver tears will make an appearance!"

MusiCares recently announced U2 as their 2027 Persons of the Year - marking the first time the honor covers all members jointly.

The group celebrates their 50th anniversary this weekend, with events to be held around Dublin including performances from tribute bands Zooropa and U2Baby. Tickets are available here.

Listen to 'Silencio' below.