Country music legend Dolly Parton’s first posthumous song, “Bound to Ride,” has been released nearly two weeks after her death.
The song, recorded in 2022, was part of a tribute project honouring bluegrass duo The Stanley Brothers, whose music influenced generations of country and bluegrass artists.
Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80, recorded her vocals for the traditional track as part of the album Where the Soul Never Dies: Celebrating 80 Years of The Stanley Brothers.
The song also features the First Ladies of Bluegrass, an all-female group made up of some of the genre’s leading musicians, including Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull, Missy Raines and Molly Tuttle.
The recording process was adjusted after health concerns during the COVID-19 period. While most songs on the project were recorded live in the studio, Parton recorded her vocals separately to allow her to participate without risking her health.
Garry West, the bassist and owner of Compass Records, described Parton’s performance as exceptional, saying the singer delivered a memorable contribution despite the unusual recording process.
Parton’s voice on “Bound to Ride” marks the latest release from a career that spanned more than six decades and produced some of country music’s most recognised songs, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her sister, Stella Parton, previously revealed that Dolly kept her health struggles private because she did not want fans and family members to worry.
“She didn’t want anybody to tell that because Dolly could not bear negative things and she would not have wanted her fans worried about it,” Stella said.
Dolly Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her representatives. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her death.
Dear Vows
