Dolly Parton has a new album coming out in November that’s a compilation of classic rock covers as well as new songs, called Rockstar. I wasn’t so sure about the concept, even though I love Dolly, because I’m not sure it plays to her strengths as a performer. But she just released her version of the Beatles classic “Let It Be”, recorded with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Pete Frampton, and Mick Fleetwood. And it blew me away. Paul harmonizes with Dolly beautifully.
Dolly Parton is now an honorary member of the Fab Four.
The country icon reunited the two living Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, for a moving cover of the band’s 1970 classic “Let It Be.” Parton puts a gravelly, blues-rock spin on the wistful ballad, which features gentle harmonies from McCartney and a scorching guitar solo from Peter Frampton.
“Well, does it get any better than singing ‘Let It Be’ with Paul McCartney who wrote the song?” Parton said in a statement. “Not only that, he played piano! Well, it did get even better when Ringo Starr joined in on drums, Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood playing percussion. I mean, seriously, how much better does it get? Thanks guys!”
The track comes from Parton’s upcoming album “Rockstar” (out Nov. 17), which features a mix of covers and original songs, and features A-list guests Elton John, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Sting, and many more.
This song really plays to Dolly’s natural style of singing and delivery, and I also believe that it’s meaningful to her because Dolly has often talked about the importance of her faith. And so I think the lyrics resonate with her, and you can feel that coming through in her performance. To me the production style is a little bit “generic arena rock” but it still works. And I like how Dolly slightly changes the melody of the song to better suit her own style. Hearing her sing this song almost made me cry. It’s one of the best songs that the Beatles ever did and Dolly has made it her own–which is something only a legend like her could do.
Love it! I hope they release a BTS video of them singing, playing together
Right?
Actually I’d love to see that for all her collaborations, or maybe some kind of docu-style project how everything came together.
Dolly’s always been a song writer to me so thanks for highlighting this. Let it be is an inspiration. I’m thrilled to know about this version.
Well, this did make me cry – to listen to all those legends still making music. Dolly said she felt guilty being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and felt she was taking a worthier performer’s place – I imagine “Rockstar” is about that concept.
I hope she understands she was inducted because she’s such a huge influence to a lot of musicians, including rock. Her music surpasses all genres.
She must know this – she’s such a humble person, but knows her own worth. I can imagine she might think she doesn’t need more honors at this point.
I’ve been crying for hours because of a very close friend passing. At our age it’s not unusual but still. I’ll not listen to it till I’m not grieving.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I had a friend pass very recently, too – it’s painful at any age.
Like this so much better than the original. Same can be said for Tina Turner covering help.
Watched a live performance of Tina Turner dueting with Bryan Adams. Still hurts to know she’s gone. Her and Sinead O’Connor. I can’t bring myself to listen to O’Connor’s music right now.
Moira, I’m guessing you must have been born well after 1970. Peace & Love x
But she just released her version of the Beatles classic “Let It Be”, recorded with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Pete Frampton, and Mick Fleetwood
–THANK YOU MUSIC GODS!!!! The legends of music on one song led by The Loveliest, Lovely Talented Miss Parton. Can we also get a live performance???!!!
I downloaded this Saturday. I absolutely love it! You can also get her version of “We are The Champions; We Will Rock You” on YT music. I don’t think she’s as good here, but she’s still an icon. 😘😍💕
I saw this on X/Twitter over the weekend and have listened to it about 20 times. I have so much high stress stuff going on right now — being my demented mother’s guardian, building a house, packing to move in a week … It’s my new anthem. Only Dolly could produce a cover of this iconic song that, arguably, improves on the original. Paul’s harmony with her is *chef’s kiss* perfection. Frampton’s guitar solo really is scorching yet gives me chills!
Oh, I love the vocals! Not so much the instrumental interludes, but it’s still great.
Dolly is amazing. I can’t think of another singer or musician that my mother, my daughter and I ALL adore.
The vocals are beautiful, but as a 70s kid, I overloaded on the song at some point. Glad other people get so much from it, but it’s an instant station change for me.
I feel about Let It Be the same way I do about Fire and Rain. Like gorgeous, meaningful songs but I can’t really listen to them anymore.
I like this version – the harmonies are lovely – but I can never hear this song without singing the Sesame Street ‘Letter B’ version in my head. Kinda ruins any feelings 🙃
I’m estranged from my abusive, mentally ill mother for six years now, and this song hurts so much to hear. It makes me want to run to my mother and hold her in my arms, even though I know that would be the most destructive choice to my survival and health. Sobbing on a Monday morning. Let it be, let it be.
Stay strong. Protect yourself.
This is my favorite Beatles song (originally written by McCartney for Aretha Franklin).
I don’t care for this cover, but I do like her cover of Collective Soul “Shine” from 2001.
This is a really ill advised cover version but the song itself is also one of the most treacly Beatles songs. I never cared for it even after I realized it wasn’t meant to have religious overtones.