At a Glance
- January 16 release of re-imagined 1977 classic
- Proceeds fund pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt children’s hospital
- Marks Parton’s first release ahead of January 19 80th birthday
- New version features Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire
- Why it matters: Fans can stream a fresh take on a beloved hit while directly supporting lifesaving treatment for young cancer patients
Dolly Parton has rallied four powerhouse voices-goddaughter Miley Cyrus, breakout star Lainey Wilson, hip-hop legend Queen Latifah, and country titan Reba McEntire-to re-record her 1977 single “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” The revamped track arrived Friday, January 16, with every dollar earned from sales and streams earmarked for pediatric cancer research at Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
A Song Reborn for a Cause
Written during a personal low point almost five decades ago, the gospel-tinged ballad became a Top-15 country hit and has remained a staple of Parton’s catalog. In a statement released by News Of Los Angeles, the 79-year-old songwriter said she still clings to its promise of better days.
> “I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and 50 years later that message still feels just as true. As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”
The collaboration was first teased on Parton’s Instagram earlier in the week. She made the charitable purpose explicit in the caption:
> “Proceeds from this recording and music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN.”
The Vocal Lineup
Each artist brings a distinct pedigree to the project:
- Miley Cyrus – Pop-rock chameleon who previously saluted Parton with a “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” cover on the 2021 Mother’s Day episode of Saturday Night Live. The godmother-goddaughter duo have also cut “Rainbowland,” “Christmas Is,” and a duet version of “Wrecking Ball.”
- Lainey Wilson – Fast-rising country singer-songwriter who earned multiple CMA Awards nods last year. She responded to Parton’s announcement with a simple “So excited for y’all to hear this.”
- Queen Latifah – Grammy-winning rapper, actress, and longtime Parton friend. The pair co-starred in the 2012 film Joyful Noise and sang “Not Enough” on the movie’s soundtrack.
- Reba McEntire – Country hall-of-famer who recently teamed with Wilson and Miranda Lambert on “Trailblazer,” currently up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 2026 Grammys.
Chart History and New Horizons
The original single peaked at:
- No. 11 on Billboard Hot Country Songs (1977)
- No. 87 on Billboard Hot 100 (1977)
The new rendition arrives on all major platforms accompanied by a music video filmed in Nashville. Industry watchers will be tracking whether the star-studded update can match or surpass the first version’s chart success.
Parton’s Hospital Connection
The entertainer has long supported Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In September she revealed she was undergoing “a few treatments here and there,” prompting her to postpone the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency.
> “Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt, where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there, but I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she said at the time.
Directing proceeds to the children’s hospital continues her philanthropic streak; Parton has raised funds for everything from childhood literacy to wildfire relief.
Milestone Birthday Release Strategy
Timing the single three days before her January 19 milestone birthday keeps Parton in the cultural conversation as she enters her eighth decade. Cyrus, Wilson, Latifah, and McEntire each shared the announcement across social platforms, ensuring cross-generational reach.
Key Takeaways
- Every stream, download, and view supports pediatric cancer research at one of America’s leading children’s hospitals
- The track pairs Parton’s enduring optimism with four contemporary voices, underscoring her cross-genre influence
- With Grammy season approaching, the high-profile team-up could earn awards consideration next year-mirroring McEntire’s current nomination with Wilson and Lambert
Fans eager to celebrate Parton’s 80th can do so by pressing play on a song she first offered the world in search of hope-now reinvented to offer hope to children battling cancer.
