Dolly Parton's vocals feature on U2's new song "Torn," taken from their new album, Carnaval De Luz, which is set for release on Friday, Nov. 13
The duet between the late country music star and Bono was recorded in June 2026, just weeks before her death at 80 in August
A country version of the track is receiving an all-day radio premiere on Nov. 12 before U2's album arrives Friday
Months after her death, Dolly Parton's final vocals are here!
On Thursday, Nov. 12, a country version of "Torn," a duet between the late country music icon and Bono, premiered on Country Radio ahead of Carnaval De Luz, U2's 16th studio album featuring the track, which goes on sale this Friday, Nov. 13.
"Torn" was co-written by U2, Parton and Johnny McDaid, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE. It is produced by Jacknife Lee and also features Daniel Lanois playing pedal steel.
Larry Mullen Jr., The Edge, Bono and Adam Claytotn of U2 perform on stage during the "eXPERIENCE & iNNOCENCE" tour on July 1, 2018 in New York City.Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty
The tender country song details broken family ties that hold wider resonances. The "Jolene" singer recorded the song in Nashville this past June, which makes it her final recorded vocal performance prior to her death at 80 years old on Aug. 25, 2026.
Parton's team promoted the upcoming song on social media, posting a sweet message shared with Bono, 66, for their collaboration.
"Hey Bono, Hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things. Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special," the post, dated June 2, read.
"Thanks for including me in your life. I've always loved you and always will," Parton added.
Ahead of "Torn"'s release on Friday, a country version titled "Torn" (Kent Wells Version) is set to receive an exclusive Country Radio World Premiere, airing all day on Thursday on all major radio broadcast media companies, including iHeart, Cumulus, Audacy, Beasley, Summit, Townsquare, and SiriusXM The Highway, Prime Country, and Y2Country, as well as the Music Choice platform.
"I can't deny this passion and desire / But I know it has to burn me / Standing this close to the fire / What am I supposed to do? / And how am I supposed to choose? / I love 'em both and I just feel so torn / I love 'em both and I just feel so torn," a snippet of the song's lyrics read.
Dolly Parton and U2 cover art for "Torn"Credit: Island Records
"Torn apart these loving hearts / That beat and break the same / We share a house divided / And the blood that fills our veins / Brothers turn to strangers / And sons deny their name / Somebody loses either way / And every heart is torn," the stars later sing.
Bono told Rolling Stone that he struggles to listen to the tune following Parton's death. "When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song. And you can hear that. And I can't even listen to it now," he told the outlet.
The posthumous track comes after Parton was featured on "Bound to Ride," a tribute song for The Stanley Brothers, which was released around two weeks after her death.
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Parton died after a "brief battle with cancer," reps for the "I Will Always Love You" singer confirmed to PEOPLE on Aug. 25.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand," the statement read.
