In honor of Dolly Parton celebrating her 80th birthday on January 19, the legendary songwriter has revisited one of the most meaningful songs in her catalog, unveiling a brand-new, star-studded version of Light of a Clear Blue Morning.
Originally written in 1976, the song now reaches its 50-year milestone — and Parton marked the occasion by inviting a powerhouse group of women to help breathe new life into the classic. Joining her on the recording are Lainey Wilson, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
The new rendition is both intimate and uplifting, featuring David Foster on piano and backing vocals from The Christ Church Choir. Together, the artists deliver a message rooted in hope, resilience, and renewal — themes that feel especially timely today.
“You know, we’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” Parton says at the opening of the music video. “But we can’t let the darkness in.”
“It’s time to wake up,” adds Queen Latifah, before Parton closes the thought: “Because I can see the light of a clear blue morning. Can you?”
As the gentle piano builds, each voice takes its turn carrying lyrics about freedom, healing, and perseverance, before merging into rich harmonies on the soaring chorus:
“I can see the light of a clear blue morning /
I can see the light of a brand new day /
Oh, and everything’s gonna be all right.”
Parton has shared that she first wrote the song during a period of major personal transition. Five decades later, she revisits it with renewed purpose, transforming it into a collective anthem of optimism for a new generation. The updated arrangement — produced by Dolly alongside Kent Wells and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge — underscores the idea that even after the darkest seasons, brighter days are still possible.
“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope,” Parton said. “Fifty years later, that message still feels just as true. As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of shining a little light forward — especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”
For Lainey Wilson, the collaboration carried deep personal meaning. Calling the song “powerful,” she reflected on how influential Parton has been throughout her own journey.
“When she asked if I could be part of this, I thought, that will never get old,” Wilson said. “To be included on a song like this — one that has stood the test of time — means more than I can explain.”
Wilson also shared that she was able to spend time recording in the studio with Parton, soaking up wisdom from one of country music’s greatest storytellers. “Everything she says, I put it in my pocket,” Wilson added. “There are so many layers to that woman, and I’m thankful to have her in my life.”
Continuing her lifelong commitment to giving back, Parton announced that all proceeds from the song and its music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt — a cause she has passionately supported for many years.
