After over 50 years in music, Dolly Parton is now a real rock star. The cherished country legend is finally putting out her long-awaited rock album called “Rockstar,” and she’s teaming up with some of the biggest names in music history to do it.
Dolly just released the latest single from her album, a cover of The Beatles’ timeless song “Let it Be.” Many have covered this beloved tune before, but this one is extra special because it features both living Beatles, Sirs Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr!
Few artists can bring together arguably the greatest band ever, but Dolly did it. Although Paul and Ringo have worked together occasionally, having them both on board is still a major achievement.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Sir Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney attend the Disney Original Documentary’s “If These Walls Could Sing” London Premiere at Abbey Road Studios on December 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+)
And if having two Beatles wasn’t enough, the song also includes Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood on drums, making it a truly star-studded recording.
The spiritual, gospel-inspired song is a great match for the 77-year-old country icon, and Dolly gives it her all in her performance — have a listen:
The song has received praise from both critics and fans of Dolly Parton and The Beatles.
One YouTube comment reads, “I got goosebumps from the first few words… by halfway through I was in tears! Thank you, Dolly, Paul, Ringo, and everyone involved in this incredible recording!”
Another comment says, “Great version of an iconic song by the legends themselves! A lively and powerful rendition. Thanks to all!!”
And another emotional comment reads, “No words… just tears… amazing… so much gratitude to these incredible legends for bringing this inspiring piece to a new generation. ‘Let it Be’ is exactly what this world needs right now.”
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“Let it Be,” first released in 1970, remains one of the Beatles’ most cherished and inspiring songs. Although credited to Lennon-McCartney, Paul McCartney wrote it after dreaming about his mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, who passed away when he was 14.
Recorded during the band’s famous yet turbulent “Get Back” sessions, it served as the Beatles’ final single before their breakup in 1970. The song also lent its name to their last album, adding a bittersweet connection to the band’s farewell.
Dolly Parton’s album, Rockstar, is set to be released on November 17. She first hinted at making a rock album last year when she turned down her nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Dolly said she hadn’t “earned the right” to be inducted because she hadn’t made a rock & roll album yet.
“I hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and consider me again if I ever deserve it,” she wrote. “This has inspired me to finally make a rock ‘n’ roll album, which I’ve always wanted to do!” She also mentioned that her husband is a “total rock ‘n’ roll fan.”
Rockstar will have some new songs written by Dolly, but mostly it features covers of classic rock songs, often with the original artists joining in.
The track list includes:
- “Every Breath You Take” featuring Sting
- “Baby, I Love Your Way” with Peter Frampton
- “Heart of Glass” with Debbie Harry
- “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” with Elton John
- “Free Bird” with Lynyrd Skynyrd
Besides “Let It Be,” Dolly has released two other singles from the album: an original song called “World on Fire” and a cover of Queen’s “We Are the Champions”/“We Will Rock You,” which also promotes the 2024 Paris Olympics.
My granddaughter kicked me out of my house because I married at 81. I gave her a BIG lesson
I had always believed that family was the cornerstone of life. After losing my daughter and son-in-law in that tragic car accident, I knew my purpose was to be there for Jenny. I sold my house, the home where I’d lived for decades, to pay for her college education. She was a bright, ambitious girl with a future full of promise. Every day, I put her needs above mine, ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed. In those moments, I almost forgot about my own happiness.
Then, Gerald entered my life. We had known each other for years, having grown up in the same neighborhood. He was my childhood friend, the boy who used to tease me by pulling my braids and then offer to carry my books home. Over the years, we lost touch, only to reconnect at a community event. He was the same sweet, gentle Gerald I remembered, and we quickly rekindled our friendship. But this time, it blossomed into something more – something beautiful and unexpected. At 81, I never thought I would find love again, but there it was, shining brightly in front of me.
The Proposal
When Gerald proposed, I felt like a teenager again, my heart fluttering with joy and excitement. I couldn’t wait to tell Jenny. I imagined she would be happy for me, supportive even. After all, hadn’t I been there for her every step of the way? But the reaction I received was far from what I expected.
Jenny was furious. “You’re too old for this, Grandma! An old lady in a white dress – it’s embarrassing!” Her words cut deep, but I tried to reason with her. She started blaming me for disrespecting her late grandfather, saying he would be disappointed in me. I understood her grief, but I couldn’t let it dictate my happiness. I had given up so much for her; was it so wrong to want a little joy in my life?
The Fallout
The situation escalated when Jenny found out about Gerald moving in. She went ballistic, refusing to share the house with him. “There is no way I’m living with that old man!” she yelled, her face red with anger. I tried to explain, to calm her down, but she wouldn’t listen. Before I knew it, she was packing up my belongings, throwing them into suitcases and garbage bags. The next thing I knew, I was out on the streets, homeless and heartbroken.
But I couldn’t just forget what Jenny had done. She needed to learn a lesson – one that would make her understand the value of family and respect. So, I took action. I consulted a lawyer and began the process of reclaiming my house. I had sold it to pay for her education, but I still had rights. The legal battle was tough, but with Gerald by my side, I persevered.
The Lesson
One day, there was a knock on Jenny’s door. She opened it to find a process server handing her an eviction notice. Her face went pale as she read the document. I had reclaimed my house, and she was the one being asked to leave. She tried to fight it, but the law was on my side.
In the end, I found my happiness and restored my relationship with Jenny. It wasn’t the path I expected, but it was the one that led me to where I am today – surrounded by love and finally, truly happy.
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