Dolly Parton’s Final Song, “Torn,” Is Out Now — The Emotional Duet With U2’s Bono That He Says He Can Barely Listen To

There is one more chance for fans to hear Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice in a brand-new recording. The country music legend’s final recorded vocal performance is featured on “Torn,” an emotional duet with U2 frontman Bono, and the country version is making its radio debut today, November 12.

The song will also close U2’s upcoming album, Carnaval De Luz, arriving Friday, November 13. For fans, the release carries a special meaning: Dolly recorded her vocals in Nashville in June 2026, just months before her passing on August 25 at age 80.

Bono Reveals the Emotional Story Behind “Torn”

Before the album’s release, Bono spoke with Zane Lowe of Apple Music about how the collaboration came together.

According to Bono, Dolly was already unwell when she recorded the song. He recalled that she got out of bed to sing, even though they did not realize just how seriously ill she was at the time.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bono admitted that listening to the recording has become difficult for him.

“I can’t even listen to it now,” he said, reflecting on the emotion surrounding Dolly’s final vocal performance.

The song was co-written by Dolly, Bono, and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid. It explores the pain of broken family relationships and the emotional divisions that can tear loved ones apart.

Dolly Had the Song That Brought Her and Bono Together

The collaboration began with Bono hoping to work with Dolly on a project inspired by Irish folk music.

Dolly was no stranger to Irish music, having previously worked with the Irish folk group Altan on several recordings. However, when Bono shared some of his ideas, she reportedly told him that one of the pieces was a little too Irish for her.

Instead, Dolly introduced him to a song she had written called “Torn.”

Bono and Johnny McDaid then worked on developing the lyrics, building the song around the story of a mother watching her family become divided.

The result became a deeply emotional duet that brings together two remarkable voices from different musical worlds.

Dolly also approved the final mix. Producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee said she was proud of her vocal performance and happy with the finished recording.

Two Versions of “Torn” Are Being Released

Fans will have the opportunity to hear two different versions of the song.

The original U2 version, featuring Bono and Dolly, appears as the closing track on Carnaval De Luz, the band’s first album of completely new material in nine years.

The country version, titled “Torn” (Kent Wells Version), receives its exclusive country radio premiere on Thursday, November 12.

Produced by longtime Dolly collaborator Kent Wells, this arrangement was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Wells also played acoustic guitar, while Daniel Lanois contributed pedal steel guitar.

The country arrangement gives the song a different musical character while preserving the emotional story at its heart.

A Special Moment in Dolly Parton’s Musical Legacy

Dolly Parton spent decades sharing her voice, songwriting, and remarkable personality with the world. Her final recording with Bono adds another meaningful chapter to that legacy.

For Bono, the experience of working with Dolly was deeply personal. He reflected on the privilege of sharing such an intimate musical moment with an artist whose influence reached far beyond country music.

Although fans can no longer hear Dolly record new songs, “Torn” gives them one final opportunity to experience her voice in an entirely new collaboration.

And with the song appearing as the closing track on U2’s Carnaval De Luz, it is a fittingly emotional way to bring the album to an end.

Where to Hear Dolly Parton’s Final Recording

The country version of “Torn,” produced by Kent Wells, is premiering on country radio throughout Thursday, November 12, including iHeartCountry, Cumulus, Audacy, Beasley, Summit, Townsquare, and SiriusXM country channels.

The full U2 album, Carnaval De Luz, featuring the original Bono and Dolly Parton duet, is scheduled for release on November 13.

For Dolly’s fans, “Torn” is more than a new song. It is a final musical moment from a voice that will never be forgotten.