Dolly Parton’s Rock Album ‘Rockstar’ is Finally Here – Everything You Need to Know
Dolly Parton has done just about everything in the music industry. Yet, she continues to push boundaries, proving time and again that she is a true legend. Now, fans worldwide are celebrating as the country music icon is set to release her long-awaited debut rock album.
A year after declining a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, saying she hadn’t “earned the right,” the 77-year-old superstar was officially inducted last year. Even though she graciously accepted the honor, it seems Dolly wants to leave no doubt that she truly belongs in rock history. And she’s doing it the best way she knows how—by releasing an album that solidifies her place among rock legends.
Dolly Parton’s Bold Move into Rock Music
Initially, Dolly hesitated about her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Given that her career has been built primarily on country music, she wasn’t sure she fit the bill. However, fans spoke loud and clear, and the Hall of Fame voters confirmed that her influence transcends genres. By November 2022, she was officially inducted, and she immediately set out to prove that she deserved the spot.
To commemorate the milestone, Dolly pledged to release a rock album—and she has delivered. Titled Rockstar, the album is scheduled for release on November 17, 2023. With an impressive mix of original tracks and classic rock covers, it promises to be one of the most exciting albums of the year.
A Star-Studded Album With Rock Legends
Dolly’s Rockstar album is nothing short of extraordinary. It includes 30 tracks, featuring nine original songs and 21 covers of rock classics. But what makes it even more special is the lineup of legendary musicians joining her.
The album includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in rock, such as Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler, Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, and Miley Cyrus—who is also Dolly’s goddaughter. Some of the most anticipated covers include:
- “Every Breath You Take” featuring Sting
- “Wrecking Ball” featuring Miley Cyrus
- “Let It Be” featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, and Mick Fleetwood
- “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” featuring Elton John
- “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” featuring Brandi Carlile and P!nk
- “Magic Man” featuring Ann Wilson and Howard Leese
- “Night Moves” featuring Chris Stapleton
- “Heart of Glass” featuring Debbie Harry
With such an impressive lineup, this album is bound to be a treat for both country and rock fans alike.
Dolly’s Thoughts on Her Rock and Roll Journey
Earlier this year, Dolly opened up about her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction during an appearance on The View.
“I simply didn’t feel like I deserved it,” she admitted. “But after hearing their explanation of my inclusion and everything, I decided to accept it if they insisted on giving it to me.”
Despite her initial hesitation, she made it clear that she was determined to earn her place in the rock world. And with Rockstar, it looks like she has done just that.
Full Tracklist for Rockstar
Here’s the complete tracklist for Rockstar:
- Rockstar (feat. Richie Sambora)
- World on Fire
- Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)
- Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)
- Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson & Howard Leese)
- Long as I Can See the Light (feat. John Fogerty)
- Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)
- I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler & Warren Haynes)
- What Have You Ever Done to Rock and Roll? (feat. Stevie Nicks & Waddy Wachtel)
- Red Rain
- Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)
- I Hate Myself for Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
- Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)
- Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)
- I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (feat. Brandi Carlile & P!nk)
- Keep on Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)
- Heart of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)
- Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (feat. Elton John)
- Tried to Rock and Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
- Stairs to Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
- We Are the Champions
- Bygones (feat. Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx & John 5)
- My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)
- What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)
- You’re No Good (feat. Sheryl Crow & Emmylou Harris)
- Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)
- Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
- I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. The Jordanaires & Ronnie McDowell)
- Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
- Free Bird (feat. Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle & The Artimus Pyle Band)
A Passion Project Filled With Joy
Dolly herself has expressed how much this album means to her. In a statement to Billboard, she shared:
“I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time, and to be able to sing all these legendary songs was a joy beyond measure. I hope everyone enjoys the album as much as I have enjoyed making it!”
Even at 77 years old, Dolly Parton continues to break barriers and prove that she is one of the most versatile and talented artists in music history.
What Do You Think?
Are you excited to hear Rockstar? Do you have a favorite song from Dolly Parton? Let us know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to share this post with your friends to spread the word about Dolly’s incredible new album!
