Dolly Parton initially turned down an early U2 collaboration because the song was “too Irish”, before offering Bono a different track that eventually became part of the band’s new album, Carnaval de Luz.
The U2 frontman shared the story during an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, revealing how conversations with the country music legend led to her contribution to the record. Torn is believed to be the final recording by Parton, who died on 25 August aged 80 following a battle with cancer.
Why Dolly Parton Rejected Bono’s First Song
Bono explained that he and Parton had been discussing ideas for a Celtic Irish folk project when he played her a song called Lifelong.
He described it as a track with the feel of a traditional wedding song, but Parton felt it was not quite right for her voice.
One of the songs was called Lifelong. I think it was kind of like a marrying song, like a wedding song. And she said, ‘That’s a little too Irish for me, if you don’t mind.’ And I said, ‘You’re from the Appalachians, aren’t you all Scots Irish?’ She said, ‘Yeah, but I’m talking about my voice.’
Bono recalled being surprised by her response, particularly given Parton’s Appalachian background and the Scottish-Irish roots associated with the region.
Rather than simply ending the conversation, however, Parton had another idea.
Dolly Parton Offered U2 Her Song Torn
Parton introduced Bono to a song she had started writing called Torn, giving U2 the freedom to develop it in their own direction.
And she said, I got a song started called Torn. Now you can take it somewhere else and I’d like to see where you could take it or something like that.
Bono said the original version was quite traditional, but the band took the material somewhere different when working on it for Carnaval de Luz.
He explained that the song developed into something that explored tensions within American families, including arguments around the kitchen table and the breakdown of relationships between brothers.
We really took it somewhere else. I was really surprised that she ran with it. That’s because not only was it sort of, not just American families, but arguing at the kitchen table and two brothers not speaking. You know, had some real friction of the times in it.
The collaboration gave U2 an opportunity to reshape Parton’s original idea while retaining the emotional themes at its centre.
Bono Didn’t Know How Ill Dolly Parton Was
Bono also revealed that U2 had not realised just how unwell Parton was when she recorded her vocal for Torn.
The singer said Parton had been ill but still made the effort to get out of bed and record the song. He was particularly moved by her commitment to the collaboration.
I was surprised that she ran with it and she sang it like she just took flight. Amazing vocal. And she was ill at the time. We didn’t know how ill, of course. And she got out of bed to sing this song. And it meant a lot to us at the time, just knowing she was ill, that she would even consider doing something with us.
His recollection offers a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding a recording that is now believed to be Parton’s final studio contribution.
Dolly Parton’s Final Recording With U2
Parton’s appearance on Carnaval de Luz brings together two major musical forces from very different backgrounds. The country singer’s original composition was transformed by U2 into a track that Bono says reflects family tensions and the divisions of modern life.
The story behind Torn also reveals how the collaboration came about, with Parton turning down one idea before offering the band a song she believed they could take in a new direction.
For U2, the recording carries added significance following Parton’s death on 25 August, aged 80.
